Medicare open enrollment
--days
--hours
--minutes
--seconds
October 15 – December 7. Changes start January 1.
Benefits Insider
No panic. No politics. Just clarity.

The Annual Medicare Checkup · free

Don’t lose your doctors or your coverage on January 1.

  • It’s free. Nothing is sold inside it. No upsell, no product pitch.
  • Nobody calls you out of the blue. Not me, not an agent, not a “benefits specialist.” If you ever want to talk to someone, that is your move to make, not mine.
  • It fits your situation. Original Medicare, a supplement, a drug plan, or Medicare Advantage each get a different list.

On your TV or computer? Text CHECKUP to 1-888-459-8182 and I’ll text you this link to open on your phone.

About 2 minutes · Checked against Medicare.gov, CMS and Social Security · Works on any device

How it works

Three steps. About two minutes.

1

Answer a few questions

About the Medicare coverage you have right now. One question per screen. Not sure? There is help on every one.

2

Get your checklist

Built for your situation: what letter to look for, what can change, and what to check before you decide.

3

Check it off

Print it for the kitchen table, or come back on this device. Your progress is saved.

Before you hand anything over

“So why do you need my email?”

Fair question. Here’s the straight answer.

Your email

My free newsletter

Plain-language breakdowns of Social Security, Medicare and retirement rules: what changed, and what it means for your money. Unsubscribe on any email.

Your phone (optional)

The weekly text list

One text a week with updates that can affect your benefits. Never a call. You can leave the phone number blank and still get your checklist.

That’s the whole trade. The checkup is free and I’m not selling anything inside it. In exchange, I’m asking for permission to stay in touch. And no one calls you out of the blue.

I don’t sell insurance. If I point you to a partner who can help you compare plans, I say so and tell you how I am paid.

Who made this

Not an insurance agent.

I’m Kwame Kuadey. I teach finance at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, I wrote The Social Security Playbook, and I run Benefits Insider. Every item on your checklist comes from Medicare.gov, CMS or the Social Security Administration.