Sitting down with a licensed Medicare advisor for the first time can feel like walking into an exam you did not study for. But it is not a test — it is a conversation. And the more prepared you are, the more useful that conversation will be.
A Medicare review is your opportunity to make sure your coverage matches your actual healthcare needs. Whether you are enrolling for the first time, reviewing your existing plan during the Annual Election Period, or responding to a change in your health, the preparation is largely the same.
Here is what to bring and why each item matters.
Your Medicare Card and Current Insurance Cards
Start with the basics. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card, which shows your Medicare number and the dates your Part A and Part B coverage began.
If you have additional coverage — a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement policy, a Part D prescription drug plan, or employer-sponsored insurance — bring those cards too. This gives your advisor a complete picture of what is currently in place.
If you cannot find a card, bring any enrollment confirmation letters, explanation of benefits (EOB) statements, or correspondence from your insurance company. The goal is to establish what you have so your advisor can evaluate whether it still fits.
For details on what your Medicare card includes, visit Medicare.gov.
A Complete List of Your Medications
This is arguably the most important item on the list. Your medication list drives a significant portion of the plan comparison process.
For each medication, note:
- Drug name (brand or generic)
- Dosage (e.g., 10mg, 25mg)
- Frequency (once daily, twice daily, etc.)
- Prescribing doctor
- Pharmacy where you fill it
If you take multiple medications, the easiest approach is to bring your prescription bottles or ask your pharmacy for a printout of your current prescriptions. Most pharmacies can generate this in a few minutes.
Why this matters: every Part D plan and every Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage has a formulary — a list of covered drugs organized by cost tiers. The same medication can be Tier 1 (low cost) on one plan and Tier 3 (moderate cost) on another, or not covered at all. Without your exact medication list, an advisor cannot do an accurate comparison.
Your List of Doctors and Preferred Facilities
If you have doctors you want to keep seeing, write them down. Include:
- Primary care physician (name and practice)
- Any specialists you see regularly
- Preferred hospital or health system
- Any labs, imaging centers, or therapy providers you use
Provider networks vary significantly between plans, especially among Medicare Advantage options. A plan that looks great on paper may not include the cardiologist you have seen for 10 years. Knowing your providers upfront lets your advisor check network status during the review rather than after you have already enrolled.
If you do not have strong doctor preferences and are open to any Medicare-accepting provider, that is useful information too — it widens your options.
A Sense of Your Monthly Budget
You do not need a detailed financial plan. But having a general idea of what you are willing and able to spend on healthcare each month helps your advisor narrow the options.
Think about:
- What you are currently paying in premiums (for Medicare, supplemental insurance, and prescriptions combined)
- Whether you prefer lower monthly premiums with higher costs when you use care (typical of Medicare Advantage)
- Whether you prefer higher monthly premiums with more predictable out-of-pocket costs (typical of Medicare Supplement plans)
- How much you spent on healthcare last year beyond premiums — copays, prescriptions, procedures
There is no right number. Some people prioritize low premiums. Others want the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive coverage and minimal cost-sharing. Your advisor's job is to match your budget preferences with available options — not to push you toward the most expensive plan.
Our resources page has additional tools to help you think through your coverage priorities before your appointment.
Any Recent Health Changes or Upcoming Procedures
If your health has changed recently or you have procedures planned, bring that information. Examples:
- A new diagnosis or condition
- An upcoming surgery or procedure
- A specialist referral you have received
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation needs
- A hospital stay in the past 12 months
These details affect which plans may work well for you. A plan with strong coverage for specialist visits and procedures matters more to someone facing a knee replacement than to someone with routine annual checkups.
If you are helping a parent prepare for their review, our caregiver guide has additional tips on gathering information and making the process less stressful.
What You Do Not Need to Bring
A few things that are not required:
- You do not need to understand Medicare before the meeting. That is what the advisor is for.
- You do not need to have a plan picked out. The review is the process of evaluating options, not confirming a decision you have already made.
- You do not need your Social Security number. Your Medicare number (on your Medicare card) is what your advisor needs. Do not share your Social Security number unless you are completing an official enrollment form with a trusted, licensed advisor.
- You do not need to make a decision on the spot. A good advisor will give you the information and space to decide when you are ready.
How to Schedule Your First Review
If you are in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Ohio, Kingdom Health Group can help. Our licensed advisors will walk you through your options based on your medications, doctors, budget, and county of residence.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Plan availability depends on your county and eligibility. But we can help you understand what may be available and how each option fits your specific needs.
Schedule your review here. Bring the items listed above, and you will be well prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Medicare review take?
Most initial reviews take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation. If you come prepared with your medications, doctors, and insurance cards, the process will be more efficient.
Is there a cost for a Medicare plan review?
Licensed Medicare advisors are typically compensated by insurance carriers, not by the consumer. There is generally no fee to you for a plan review or enrollment assistance through Kingdom Health Group.
Can I do the review over the phone or video?
Yes. Many Medicare reviews are conducted by phone or video, especially for beneficiaries who prefer not to meet in person. The preparation is the same — have your medications, doctor list, and insurance cards ready before the call.
What if I do not have all the information listed above?
Bring what you have. Your advisor can work with incomplete information and help you fill in the gaps. Having even a partial medication list and your Medicare card is enough to get started. You can always follow up with additional details after the initial conversation.
Should a family member join the review?
If a family member is helping you manage your healthcare decisions, having them present can be very helpful. They can take notes, ask questions, and help you remember the details afterward. Many families find it valuable to have an adult child or spouse on the call.