Turning 65 and going onto Medicare can be one of the most frustrating/overwhelming times of your life.  You could fill an entire landfill (not really, but kinda) with the all the junk mail that you start to receive when you are 64 years old.  Here are 5 mistakes I see people make in Utah when they are turning 65.

1-  Thinking you have to go onto Medicare even though you have employer health coverage.  

The truth is, a lot of the marketing material you receive when you are turning 65 is “scare tactic” marketing.  They make it sound like if you don’t sign up for Medicare now, you will spend the rest of your life in jail!   If you don’t have employer coverage through your work or your spouse’s work, then yes, you do have to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 or you could have some pretty hefty penalties later.  But if you have employer coverage and there are at least 20 employees on that plan, your plan should be what is deemed “creditable coverage” and you don’t have to sign up for any Medicare.  Once you come off your employer coverage, then you would sign up for Medicare and prove to Medicare that you had employer coverage and you won’t be penalized.

2-  Not Understanding Your Options

There are a lot of Medicare options in Utah and a lot of people just don’t take the time to understand them.  Most people have to choose 1 of 2 options.  Option #1- Stay on Original Medicare and buy a Medicare supplement plan and Part D prescription plan.  Option #2-  Go with a part C plan (also called Medicare advantage plan) where all your parts of Medicare are covered under 1 plan through a private insurance company.  Both have pros and cons and there is no one size fits all.  Just make sure you understand both options before making your decision.   Any good medicare broker should go over both options with you so you understand both.

3-  Choosing a plan because one of your family members or friends have it

Although it is good to ask your family and friends about their Medicare plan and how it has worked for them, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing what is right for you.  Medicare is individual and you should pick your options based off your individual factors.  I always tell people that my Dad has a supplement plan and my Mom has a advantage plan because they are completely different when it comes to their needs and wants.

4- Thinking Medicare is Free

Believe it or not, but a lot of people think Medicare is Free.  Part A is free to everyone that has worked at least 40 quarters or their spouse did, but Medicare part B comes with a premium.  In 2026, the standard part B premium is $202.90/month.  That can be higher if you’re income is over certain limits.  The higher premium is known as IRMAA.  Just google it and you will see the limits.  Medicare supplements also come with an extra premium.   Drug plans in Utah (Part D), most of the time is also going to have an extra premium.  Most Medicare advantage plans in Utah are $0 premium (you still have to pay the part B premium) but there are some in Utah that have an extra premium as well.  It can all add up pretty quick, that is why it is really important to know the ins and outs.

5-  Missing Your Enrollment Window

Your initial medicare enrollment window starts 3 months prior to your birth month, goes through your birth month, and lasts 3 months after your birth month (7 months total).   If you are not still working and don’t have employer coverage, there usually isn’t any reason why you wouldn’t want your Medicare to start the month of your Birthday.  If you do miss this window, you could be hit with some late enrollment penalties that last the rest of your life.  Best practice is to sign up for Medicare A and B via ssa.gov or your local social security office 3 months prior to your birth month.  This way you will have plenty of time to choose a supplement or advantage plan and not feel rushed.