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Find out what to expect with Medicare coverage, Medicare eligibility and more.

Florida Blue is here to answer your questions about Medicare and help you choose the Medicare coverage that works best for you.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance sponsored by the federal government for people 65 and older, or those under 65 who qualify, because of certain disabilities or conditions. Before you are ready for Medicare enrollment, find out more about each part of Medicare and what it covers.

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What are the different types of Medicare plans?

When you’re approaching your 65th birthday, there is a lot of information to learn about Medicare coverage and enrollment. Get to know the different parts of Medicare, including Original Medicare (Part A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies.

Here are your Medicare coverage options:

Part A
Hospital Insurance

Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.

Part B
Medical Insurance

Original Medicare Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.

Part C
Medicare Advantage

Combines Medicare Parts A and B, plus extra benefits, like vision, hearing and dental services, and may include Part D prescription drug coverage, too.

Part D
Prescription Drug

Covers your prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)

Helps pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B).

When are you eligible to enroll in Medicare?

 You’re eligible to enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

starts 3 months before the month you turn 65

includes the month you turn 65

ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

Aging into Medicare

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. But it’s never too early to look into your Medicare options. And if someone you know is turning 65, they may need help understanding Medicare.

It’s time to find the right Medicare plan. You can enroll in Medicare three months before you turn 65. Now is the perfect time to choose the Medicare plan that fits your life and healthcare needs.

Medicare enrollment doesn’t automatically happen when you turn 65. You can enroll anytime during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

  • Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 
  • Includes the month you turn 65 
  • Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

We can help you enroll during your IEP so you can relax and enjoy extra savings and health and wellness benefits.

Avoid the Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP)

If you don’t enroll in Part B and Part D coverage when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. There are some special circumstances where you can enroll after 65. For example, if you’re still working and have group health insurance through your employer, you may be able to wait to enroll in Medicare.

Working after you turn 65 doesn’t mean you should delay your Medicare enrollment. If you have a group health plan through your employer, a Medicare plan could work with your coverage and pay for services your employer’s health insurance doesn’t cover.

  • Even if you’re still working, consider enrolling in Medicare Part A. For most people, there is no monthly premium for Part A coverage. But if you’re required to pay a monthly premium for Part A, you may end up with a higher monthly premium if you don’t sign up when you become  eligible.
  • Your options for Medicare Part B enrollment vary depending on the size of your employer. Generally, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare will be your primary insurance. So, you may need to enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period. But if your employer has 20 or more employees, your group health plan will be your primary insurance. This means you may have more options, including delaying enrollment or having both your employer coverage and Medicare.

Check with your company’s human resources department to see if you should sign up for Parts A and B during your Initial Enrollment Period.


Important facts about working past 65 and Medicare

  • You can enroll in Medicare and still work full-time. You can have a health plan insurance through your employer and Medicare at the same time. One will be your primary insurance and the other will be secondary.
  • Talk to your company’s human resources department before making any decisions. Signing up for Medicare, even just Part A, could affect your Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • If you lose employer coverage, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare that lasts 8 months. You may enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) during this entire period. However, you can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan during the first two months.
  • If you become eligible for COBRA after you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you can use COBRA with Medicare.

Ready to enroll?

Shop Florida Blue Medicare plans.

Call a licensed Medicare agent.

Shop for Medicare plans in your area.

Have questions about Medicare?
Request a call from a licensed agent.

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Download a Medicare education guide.

Medicare Basics Guide

Medicare Basics Guide

Florida Blue provides the information you need to choose the Medicare plan that meets your needs and budget. Download > 

Medicare and You Guide

Medicare & You

U.S. government handbook on Medicare benefits, rights, and protections, available health plans and more. Download >

Medicare Planning Checklist

Medicare Planning Checklist

Florida Blue provides a checklist with the steps you need to get started with Medicare as you approach age 65. Download >

Get ready for Medicare

Get Ready for Medicare

U.S. government handbook explaining important decisions you need to make before Medicare coverage starts. Download > 

FBM AGE 001 F 082022
Last Updated: 08.01.2022
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