Medicare enrollment periods explained (Florida)
When you can join or change a Medicare plan depends on the time of year and your situation. Here are the main enrollment periods, in plain English.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. During this time you can sign up for Parts A and B and choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D drug plan.
Turning 65 in Florida →Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Anyone with Medicare can make changes for the coming year: join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, switch Part D drug plans, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1.
Get a free annual plan checkup →Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change: switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D drug plan).
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
You may qualify due to life events such as:
- Moving to a new service area
- Losing employer or other health coverage
- Qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid
- Changes in your current plan’s contract with Medicare
Eligibility depends on your situation.
General Enrollment Period
If you didn’t sign up for Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible, and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during this window. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late enrollment penalty may apply.
Not sure if you can enroll? Let’s check your eligibility
A licensed agent will help determine whether you qualify for an enrollment period and what options may be available.