Turning 65 in Florida? Your Complete Medicare Checklist for 2026

3 Months Before Your 65th Birthday

• ✅ Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. This is the start of your Initial Enrollment Period.
• ✅ Contact T65Navigator to start comparing Florida Medigap plans. You want to have your plan chosen before your coverage start date.
• ✅ Research Part D drug plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare using your medication list.
• ✅ Notify your current health insurance that you're transitioning to Medicare.

1–2 Months Before Your 65th Birthday

• ✅ Choose your Medigap plan (G, N, or HDG for most Florida seniors). Enroll with your chosen carrier. Coverage begins the month your Medicare Part B starts.
• ✅ Enroll in Medicare Part D. Choose the plan that best covers your specific medications in your Florida ZIP code.
• ✅ Confirm your Medicare card has been processed. You should receive your red-white-and-blue Medicare card in the mail.
• ✅ Find a primary care doctor in your Florida area who accepts Medicare if you don't already have one.

The Month You Turn 65

• ✅ Your Medicare coverage begins. Parts A and B are active. Your Medigap policy kicks in. Your Part D drug coverage is active.
• ✅ Verify your coverage details with all three providers: Medicare, Medigap carrier, and Part D plan.
• ✅ Update your healthcare providers with your new Medicare and Medigap information.
• ✅ Cancel your previous insurance if appropriate (confirm Medicare is fully active first).

Ongoing: Staying on Top of Medicare in Florida

• 📅 Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7): Review your Part D plan each year — formularies and premiums change annually. Switch if you find a better-priced option for your medications.
• 📅 Birthday rule window: Around your birthday each year, consider whether switching Medigap carriers could save you money with equivalent coverage.
• 📅 Medicare Summary Notices: Review these quarterly to catch billing errors or potential fraud.
• 📅 Free preventive services: Take advantage of Medicare's annual wellness visit, cancer screenings, and other preventive benefits — all covered at $0 under Medicare.