How to Sign Up for Medicare: Free Help to Get Started

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States for people aged 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. Signing up for Medicare can seem daunting, but here are a few steps to get you started.

• Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

  Before signing up, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Step 2: Understand the Different Parts of Medicare

  Medicare has four parts - A, B, C, and D.

• Step 3: Decide How You Want to Get Your Medicare Coverage

  You can choose between: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Step 4: Sign Up for Medicare

  You can sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

• Step 5: Review and Compare Plans Annually

  Medicare plans can change each year, so it's important to review your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) to ensure it still meets your needs.

You can also get all your questions answered, for free, by visiting with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) representative. SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. To learn more about the program, visit the website: shiphelp.org. To find a SHIP representative near you in Utah, visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' website.

Watch the KSL-TV story featuring Alan, an AARP Utah member, showing how easy it is to get all your Medicare questions answered!