The process to sign up for Medicare in Utah (or any state for that matter) is complicating and overwhelming.  My goal is to break it down into clean easy steps so you know exactly what to do.  Here are the 3 Easy Steps To Sign Up For Medicare In Utah

Step 1-  Sign up for Medicare A & B.

Exactly 3 months before your birth month you need to sign up for Medicare A & B.  If you are already taking social security benefits, good news, they will automatically sign you up for A and B so you can skip to step 2.  The easiest way to sign up for A and B is through your ssa.gov account online.  It should only take you about 10 minutes to fill out the information.  The other way to sign up for Medicare A and B would be to contact your local social security office and they can help you sign up.  Once you sign up, you should get a confirmation from Social Security about 2-3 weeks later confirming your enrollment.  Your Medicare card will come in the mail shortly after that.

Step 2- Learn and Make your Decision.

Now that you have step 1 complete.  It’s time to learn about your options and decide how you want to take your Medicare.  You have 2 options.  Keep original Medicare as your primary health insurance and buy a medicare supplement plan to fill the holes or, you can go onto a medicare advantage plan.  I won’t get into the differences on this post but helping people decide between the 2 options is how I make a living (you don’t pay me anything, the insurance companies do).  If you want my help, simply contact me and I can help you understand the pros and cons of each option.

Step 3-  Enroll

After you have decided what Medicare option you are going to take, now you need to enroll in a plan.  The vast majority of people make their plan effective the same day their Medicare goes into effect, which will be the 1st day of your birth month (unless your birthday is the 1st of the month then it’s a month earlier).

EXAMPLE-

Let’s say I was turning 65 July 25th.  1- I would sign up for Medicare A and B starting in April.  2- I would learn and decide what plan I want to go with.  3- I would then enroll to have my plan effective July 1st because that is when my Medicare will go into effect.

It’s usually that simple.  Again, because you are being bombarded by every insurance company and every agent out there, it can feel overwhelming.  Just remember, make sure you learn about all your options before making your decision so don’t make a mistake you’ll regret.