Turning 65 in Utah? Know when to enroll and what to compare.

Know the date that controls your next step

The Initial Enrollment Period generally includes the three months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. Your application date affects when coverage begins. A birthday on the first of a month can change the timing, so check your exact dates.

Automatic enrollment is not the same for everyone

If you begin receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before turning 65, you generally receive Part A and Part B automatically. Otherwise, you may need to apply. Review any Medicare card and enrollment notices you receive instead of assuming that coverage has started.

Understand Part A and Part B

Part A is hospital insurance. Part B is medical insurance, including covered outpatient services. They have separate coverage rules and costs. Before accepting or delaying coverage, review how Medicare coordinates with your current insurance and any HSA contributions.

Working or covered through a spouse?

Ask the benefits administrator whether the plan is based on current employment, how the employer size affects which coverage pays first, and what changes when Medicare begins. Prescription creditable coverage is a separate question from eligibility to delay Part B.

Bring these to your review

• Current insurance card
• Employer coverage information and creditable drug coverage notice
• Retirement date and employer coverage end date
• Medicare card if received
• Doctor and prescription lists
• Preferred pharmacies

Common timing mistakes to avoid

• Assuming all insurance allows a Part B delay
• Confusing retirement with the date health coverage ends
• Overlooking automatic Part A enrollment while funding an HSA
• Choosing a plan before checking effective dates, doctors, and drugs

What happens during your review

We start with your current insurance and Medicare dates. Then we compare the coverage options that apply to you, check your doctors and prescriptions, and explain what to do next. A review request is not an enrollment application.