Medicare
Medicare made simple for Utah seniors.
Turning 65, retiring, or reviewing your current plan? Blake explains your Medicare options in plain language, checks that your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and helps you enroll at the right time.
Your options
The parts of Medicare, explained
Medicare has several parts, and the right mix depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget and how you like to receive care.
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Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
The federal program. Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services. You can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
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Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private plans that combine Parts A and B, and often include prescription drug coverage and extras like dental or vision. Most use a provider network.
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Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Works alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Plans are standardized by letter, such as Plan G or Plan N.
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Part D prescription drug plans
Stand-alone plans that add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and pharmacy network.
Key dates
When you can enroll or make changes
Medicare has set enrollment windows. Missing one can mean waiting or paying a late penalty, so timing matters.
Around your 65th birthday
Initial Enrollment Period
A 7-month window: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
October 15 – December 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change plans, or join or drop a Part D plan. Changes start January 1.
January 1 – March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another one or return to Original Medicare.
6 months from Part B start
Medigap Open Enrollment
Starting the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in Utah without medical underwriting.
After certain life events
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing employer coverage and other qualifying events can let you make changes outside the usual windows.
How it works
Simple, no-pressure help
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Tell us about you
Share your doctors, prescriptions, budget and what matters most to you.
2
Compare your options
Blake compares plans from Utah’s top-rated carriers and explains the tradeoffs in plain language.
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Enroll with confidence
Get help with your application, and a review each year so your plan keeps fitting.
Why work with Blake
A local advisor for every Medicare decision
Medicare choices affect your health care and your budget for years. Blake takes the time to understand your situation and walks you through each option, whether you are new to Medicare or reviewing a plan you have had for years.
✓ Compares plans from Utah’s top-rated carriers
✓ Checks your doctors and prescriptions before you enroll
✓ Annual plan reviews during the Annual Enrollment Period
✓ No cost to talk it through
Common questions
Asked often, answered plainly
When should I start looking at Medicare?
A good time to start is about 3 months before the month you turn 65, which is when your Initial Enrollment Period begins. Starting early gives you time to compare options without feeling rushed.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan. A Medicare Supplement policy works alongside Original Medicare to help with certain out-of-pocket costs. The right approach depends on your needs and preferences.
Do I need a Part D plan if I don’t take many prescriptions?
If you go without Part D or other creditable drug coverage for a period of time after you first become eligible, you may owe a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D. Blake can help you weigh your options.
I am still working past 65. Do I need to sign up?
It depends on your employer coverage. In many cases, people with group health coverage through current employment can delay Part B without a penalty. Blake can help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.
Can I keep my doctors?
With Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement, you can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans use a provider network, so Blake will check that your doctors are in network before you enroll.
How much does Medicare cost?
Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium, which is higher for people with higher incomes. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D plans may have their own premiums, deductibles and copays.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement later?
You can return to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and certain guaranteed-issue situations, Medicare Supplement insurers may ask health questions and can decline coverage or charge more. That is why it is worth getting this decision right the first time.
Does it cost more to work with an agent?
No. There is no cost to talk with Blake, and working with an agent does not raise your premium.
Ready to sort out Medicare?
Get clear answers and a plan that fits. There is no cost to talk it through.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
