Turning 65 is a milestone that comes with important health insurance decisions. You have a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare without cost impact.
Your IEP is a 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after. Enroll during this window and coverage starts the month you turn 65 (or the month after if you enroll late in your birthday month). Missing your IEP entirely results in permanent late-enrollment penalties on Part B — and Part D adds its own cost impact for going 63+ days without creditable drug coverage.
Part A covers hospital stays and is premium-free for most people who worked 40 quarters. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care ($202/month standard premium in 2026). Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles Parts A+B, usually with drug coverage and extras like dental. Part D covers prescription drugs through stand-alone or bundled plans.
If you're still working and covered by employer insurance from a company with 20+ employees, you can delay Part B without cost impact and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays first and you should enroll at 65 — delaying can trigger permanent penalties. COBRA is not creditable coverage for this purpose.
Apply during the 3 months before your 65th birthday month for coverage starting on your birthday. You can apply online at ssa.gov.
Part A is free for most people. Part B costs $185.00/month in 2026. Medigap Plan G adds $120 to $180/month. Medicare Advantage plans range from $0 to $150/month.
If your spouse's employer has 20+ employees, you can stay on their plan and delay Medicare without cost impact. But you should still enroll in Part A (it is free).
The Part B late enrollment cost impact is 10% of the standard premium for every 12 months you delay enrollment. This cost impact is permanent.
Medigap Plan G offers the most flexibility but costs more. Medicare Advantage has lower premiums but restricts you to network doctors. Your health status and budget determine which is right.
Free consultation. No obligation. We compare all carriers serving Statewide.
Florida Health Insurance Web is a licensed insurance agency and may receive compensation from insurance carriers for plans it helps you enroll in. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Plan availability, premiums, deductibles, networks, and eligibility for premium tax credits vary by location, income, and household size. Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment dates are set by the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov for Florida) and can change from year to year. Confirm current dates at HealthCare.gov before enrolling. This page is general information only. It is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or a commitment of coverage, approval, or savings.