COMMUNITY WELLNESS · MEDICARE RESOURCES
Check your medicines and doctors before changing plans
A plan’s name or premium does not tell you whether it covers what you use. Gather a short list, then check the exact plan and coverage year with Medicare, the plan, and your providers.
MEDICARE QUESTIONS
Ask Grace a question
Grace is Community Wellness’s automated assistant. Get an explanation of Medicare terms or help preparing questions for Medicare, your plan, or a SHIP counselor. Grace does not choose a plan for you or enroll you in coverage.
Calls may be recorded. Privacy policy.
Make a list for your own use
Keep identifying details in your own notes. You do not need to enter a medicine list or personal information on these guide pages.
- Each prescription’s name, strength, and how often you take it. The label on the container can help.
- The pharmacy you use and whether you need mail delivery.
- Your doctors, specialists, hospital, and the office locations you visit.
- Any equipment, therapy, or other services you want to ask about.
Check medicines and pharmacy costs
Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare available coverage, then confirm important details with the plan. Ask whether each prescription is on the formulary, what it costs at your pharmacy, and whether prior authorization, quantity limits, or step therapy applies.
A formulary is a plan’s covered-drug list. Prior authorization means the plan requires approval before it covers a drug. Step therapy means the plan may require you to try another covered treatment first. Your prescriber and the plan can explain what applies to your medicine.
Confirm with the doctor’s office too
Use the plan’s provider directory as a starting point, then ask the office to confirm the exact plan, location, and coverage year. An office accepting Medicare is not the same as being in every Medicare Advantage network.
- ‘Does this doctor accept this specific plan at this location?’
- ‘Are you accepting new patients with that coverage?’
- ‘Would I need a referral or approval for the care I use?’
- ‘If this changes, who should I contact to confirm it before enrolling?’
Compare more than the monthly premium
Look at premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, prescription costs, network rules, and limits on covered out-of-pocket spending. Costs depend on both the plan and the care you use. Grace can explain these terms, but does not verify a live provider network or prescription price for you.
Related guides
Official information: Medicare Plan Finder · Compare Medicare coverage
Reviewed October 21, 2026. Educational information from Community Wellness. Confirm coverage, costs, eligibility, and deadlines with Medicare, your plan, or the agency that runs the program. Community Wellness is not Medicare or a government agency.