It’s a problem that often surfaces for many people, including the elderly and those on Medicare. We may not be insured when we need it and be unable to afford the treatment or drugs we need. So how can you determine if you’re covered? Here are some helpful tips on what to do in case you might not have the necessary coverage for your care.

1. Do a Self-Audit

Needless to say, if you are on Medicare, it cannot be easy to manage. The various parts and aspects of Medicare can sometimes be confusing. While your doctor or physician’s office may have helped with the enrollment process, you may not know if you have the right policy. A good place to start is by doing a self-audit. This can help you determine whether or not you have the right coverage for your specific ailments and needs.

2. Use a Medicare Agent

There’s an easy way to find out whether you’re covered, and it’s through a Medicare agent. A Medicare agent is a professional who can help you learn whether or not you have the right coverage. They will first verify that your Medicare plan covers your specific needs and conditions, which they will help to explain over the phone or in person, as needed.

3. Contact Your Doctor’s Office

It’s a good idea to contact your doctor’s office to see if they know. You may be able to sort this out independently or need their help. It’s also a good idea to contact the insurance company of your choice, as they may be able to give you more information.

4. Check Online at Medicare.Gov Online Tool

You can also check the Medicare website to see if you have the right coverage for what you need and want for Medicare Part D or Part A. This tool can also help you determine whether you need a supplement for your Part B coverage.

5. Check Your Medicare Card

A small and important detail that is often overlooked is that each part of Medicare will have its card, which the Social Security Administration issues. If you have the original copy of this card, it’s a good idea to check it carefully to ensure that it’s accurate and signed.

6. Call the Social Security Administration

If you have the original version of your Medicare card, you may want to call the Social Security Administration; they can verify all of this information over the phone. They may ask for your Social Security number, but if you’re unsure whether you should give it to them, you should also be able to find that in the Medicare card.

7. Bring It All Together

In the end, you might want to bring all this information together in a file. Additional information to keep track of or note can include the date you signed up with Medicare, how much you’ll pay for your monthly premium in the future, and which parts or aspects of Medicare apply to you.

As we approach this open enrollment period for Medicare, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your options and see if anything can be done differently. This could potentially save thousands of dollars.