Turning 65 in Florida: your Medicare game plan
If you’re turning 65 in Florida, you may be eligible for Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Knowing when and how to enroll is important, as missing deadlines can result in delayed coverage or penalties.
When does Medicare start?
Medicare eligibility typically begins when you turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts for seven months:
If you sign up in the 3 months before your birthday month, coverage generally starts the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up later in your Initial Enrollment Period, coverage generally starts the month after you sign up.
During this time, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if one is available in your ZIP code. Prince Senior Health Services helps Florida residents understand their Medicare Advantage options and enroll with confidence.
Your turning-65 steps
Here’s the short version. We’ll walk you through each one.
1. Find out if you’re enrolled automatically
If you already get Social Security benefits before 65, you’re generally enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If not, you sign up through Social Security.
2. Think about your current coverage
Still working, or covered by a spouse’s job? Your options for Part B timing may differ. Talk with your benefits administrator before you decide.
3. List your doctors & prescriptions
Write down your doctors, hospitals, medications and doses, and your pharmacy. This is what we use to compare plans.
4. Compare your options
Original Medicare (with a drug plan and optional supplement) or a Medicare Advantage plan. See the differences.
5. Enroll on time
Missing your enrollment window can mean a gap in coverage or a late enrollment penalty for Part B or Part D.
6. Review every fall
Plans can change each year. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7.
Get the Turning 65 in Florida checklist
Everything on this page, plus the questions to ask before you choose a plan, on one printable checklist. Check off each step as you go.
Turning 65 soon?
Request a free Medicare plan review. A licensed agent will help you understand your options and your deadlines.