New to Medicare
Last updated: April 2026
Whether you are turning 65 or signing up because of a disability, the first conversation goes smoother when your papers are in one place. This page is a friendly prep list, not a substitute for Medicare’s own rules.
Gather before you call
- Your Social Security card, or your Medicare card if it already arrived.
- Every prescription with the dose and how many times a day you take it.
- Names of doctors and hospitals you count on.
- A recent pay stub or tax paper if you think you might qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help with drug costs.
- If you still have job-based insurance, the summary from your employer or your spouse's plan.
Three questions worth asking
- When should I sign up for Part B so I do not miss my window?
- How will Medicare work with the coverage I have today?
- For the doctors I see, what is the real-life difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and staying on Original Medicare?
Straight talk
- No website can pick the right plan from a distance. Only a licensed agent should compare live options for your ZIP code.
- Dates matter. Miss some windows and you could face a gap in coverage or a late penalty. Ask us to double-check your timeline.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Prefer the phone? Call us at (347) 696-6757. We are happy to talk it through.
Want us to call you?
Leave your info and a licensed agent will reach out by the next business day. No pressure, just answers.
By submitting this form, you consent to be contacted by a licensed insurance agent from SJM Insurance Services, LLC at the phone number you provided regarding Medicare Advantage, D-SNP, or other insurance options. You are under no obligation to enroll in any plan. Standard message and data rates may apply. Your information will not be shared with other marketing organizations without your explicit consent.
Tip: You can print this page or save it as a PDF from your browser's Print menu, so you have a copy for your files or for a family member.