Medicare Enrollment Guide
Turning 65? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Medicare
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a one-time window. Miss it and you could face lifelong penalties. Our licensed agents make sure you get it right — for free.
Turning 65 is one of the most important milestones for your healthcare. Medicare gives you access to comprehensive coverage — but only if you enroll correctly and on time. Here's everything you need to know.
Your 7-Month Initial Enrollment Period
Your IEP begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. Enrolling on time avoids late penalties and coverage gaps.
3 Months Before
Your birthday month — enroll now for the earliest start date
Your Birthday Month
You turn 65 — coverage starts the 1st of this month
3 Months After
Your birthday month — coverage start date is delayed
If you enroll in the 3 months after your birthday month, your coverage start date will be delayed by 1–3 months. Enroll early to avoid any gap in coverage.
Your Turning-65 Medicare Checklist
Confirm your Medicare eligibility date
Most people are eligible at 65. If you're already receiving Social Security, you may be enrolled automatically.
Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) pairs with a Medigap plan. Medicare Advantage bundles everything into one plan.
Choose a Medigap plan if going Original Medicare
Plan G and Plan N are the most popular. You have guaranteed issue rights during your IEP — no health questions.
Add a Part D drug plan
Even if you take no medications, enroll in a low-cost Part D plan to avoid the late enrollment penalty.
Review dental, vision, and hearing options
Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental, vision, or hearing. Consider a standalone plan.
Call Covering America for a free comparison
Our agents shop every top carrier in your area and walk you through every option — at no cost to you.
Penalties for Missing Your Enrollment Window
Part B Late Penalty
10% added to your Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. It lasts for life.
Part D Late Penalty
1% of the national base premium multiplied by the number of months you went without creditable drug coverage.
Medigap Guaranteed Issue Lost
After your IEP, insurers can use medical underwriting to deny or rate up your Medigap application.
Don't Navigate Turning 65 Alone
Our licensed agents have helped thousands of Floridians enroll in the right Medicare plan on time — and at no cost.