Medicare.gov
Resource Links
A clearer path to reliable information. Find official resources for enrollment, coverage, costs, and assistance—plus helpful Missouri connections.
The right information. In one convenient place.
Use these links to visit Medicare, Social Security, Missouri agencies, and Missouri SHIP directly. Government agencies determine eligibility and administer benefits.
Links and enrollment information reviewed:
Resource links open in a new tab. Medicare’s plan finder and account tools require JavaScript. Check the coverage year shown on each official page when reviewing costs or plans.
Getting Started & Enrollment
- Sign up for Medicare through Social Security Review enrollment options and how to apply for Parts A and B.
- Sign up for Part B only For people who already have Part A; enrollment-period requirements apply.
- How Medicare enrollment works Find out whether you need to enroll or may be enrolled automatically.
- Enrollment periods & coverage start dates Review initial, general, and special enrollment situations.
Understand Your Coverage
- What Part A covers Hospital insurance and related covered services.
- What Part B covers Medical insurance, outpatient care, and covered services.
- Preventive & screening services Explore covered screenings, exams, and preventive care.
- What Original Medicare does not cover Understand coverage gaps before planning your healthcare budget.
Health Plans & Drug Coverage
- Medicare Advantage & other health plans Learn about Part C and other Medicare health plan options.
- Part D prescription drug coverage Understand drug coverage and how plans work.
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Learn about coverage that supplements Original Medicare.
- Compare Medicare health & drug plans Use Medicare’s official plan finder. Confirm the plan year, prescriptions, pharmacies, and provider networks.
Costs, IRMAA & Extra Help
- Medicare premiums, deductibles & other costs Official cost information for Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap. Review the year displayed.
- Part A, Part B & Part D late enrollment penalties Understand when penalties can apply and how to avoid them.
- Request a lower income-related premium adjustment Social Security explains requests to reduce Part B and Part D IRMAA after qualifying life-changing events.
- Apply for Part D Extra Help Learn about prescription cost assistance and application options.
Manage Your Accounts & Records
- Create a Medicare.gov account Set up secure access on Medicare’s official website.
- Print or replace your Medicare card Find account access, replacement instructions, and card safety information.
- Update your address with Social Security Review online options and situations that require contacting SSA.
- Social Security’s Medicare resource center Find Medicare planning, enrollment, and benefit-management information.
Missouri Resources
- Apply for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) Review state healthcare application instructions and supplemental requirements.
- Help with Medicare costs in Missouri Find Medicare Savings Program information and local assistance resources.
- Missouri SHIP Medicare counseling Independent Medicare education and assistance through Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Key Annual Enrollment Dates
These are different enrollment windows. The right one depends on your existing coverage and circumstances.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15–December 7Each year, eligible people can review and change Medicare health or drug coverage. Changes generally start January 1 of the following year.
Review official guidance ↗Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1–March 31For people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. You can generally make one change to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a drug plan.
Review plan-change rules ↗General Enrollment
January 1–March 31A separate opportunity to enroll in Part B or premium Part A if applicable. Coverage starts the month after enrollment; penalties may apply.
Review enrollment rules ↗Initial and Special Enrollment Periods depend on your circumstances. Medigap has separate enrollment and guaranteed-issue rules; annual Medicare Open Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance into a Medigap policy. Confirm your options with Medicare or Missouri SHIP before changing coverage.
Make healthcare part of the bigger picture.
Healthcare costs can affect your retirement income needs. Connect with Ozarks Retirement Group to discuss how those expenses fit into your broader financial plan.
5511 N Farmer Branch Road, Suite 101Ozark, MO 65721