What should I have ready before talking to a Medicare agent?

Three things make the conversation productive: a list of your doctors, a list of your prescriptions with dosages, and a sense of your monthly budget. With those, an agent can check which of the plans they offer include your providers and cover your medications. It also helps to have your Medicare number and your key dates handy, like when your Initial Enrollment Period starts. You never have to talk to a sales agent just to get general plan information — you can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for all of your options.

— Medicare Agent Scout editorial team