Use this checklist before making a decision

Find coverage, compare providers and devices, recognize urgent symptoms, and understand that Medicare benefits differ by service and plan. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Identify the exact service: routine exam, medical treatment, surgery, glasses, hearing evaluation, hearing aid, dental treatment, or device repair.
  • Check Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, veterans benefits, employer retiree coverage, discount plans, and local clinics separately.
  • Verify provider licensing, network status, total cost, warranty, trial period, return policy, and follow-up services.
  • Ask about accessible communication, transportation, and device compatibility.
  • Seek prompt medical care for sudden vision or hearing loss, severe eye pain, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or infection signs.
  • Keep prescriptions, test results, device serial numbers, warranties, and receipts.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Fall Prevention, Mobility, and Home Safety, Loneliness, Social Connection, and Purpose, Assistive Technology, Medical Equipment, and Home Modifications.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.