What must consumers do with the statement of understanding during enrollment?

During enrollment, consumers must sign and acknowledge the statement of understanding. This step is crucial as it indicates that the consumer has read, understood, and agrees to the terms outlined in the document. By signing, the individual confirms their awareness of details like benefits, costs, and rules related to their healthcare plan.

The importance of this acknowledgment lies in ensuring that consumers are fully informed about what they are enrolling in, thus promoting informed decision-making regarding their healthcare options. This step helps protect both the consumer and the provider by establishing clarity and understanding of the plan details from the outset.

While keeping a copy for records, reading and filing, and submitting to Medicare are all actions that could be relevant in different contexts, they do not encapsulate the essential action of formal acknowledgment of understanding, which is critical during the enrollment process.