Finally my dad is turning 65 this August. I know Medicare starts the first day of the month you turn 65, so August 1st. I also believe you can apply 3 months prior, so May 1st. I hope this is correct? Is there anything I should look out for when applying? Anything to make it easier? I am POA and will doing most of the work as my dad is unpredictable with his good and bad days. We already found a medicare supplement plan with Mutual of Omaha. Still looking for a medicare part D, but I will probably go with Wellmark Blue Cross as my mom uses it and we like it.
Has your Dad been on disability - social security? If so, isn't he already on Medicare?
At any rate, I don't recall any big fuss with the process. I was fortunate in that my employer plan serves as secondary coverage so there wasn't any decision making involved.
Also when I was managing Moms meds it was helpful to have a plan that I could order refills online and they would mail them to my house, so I rarely had to deal with the doctor for refills, only when the scripts expired, or trips to the drug store. And as been mentioned you need to choose one now, but can switch at the next open enrollment, which can give you more time to investigate.