NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE FEDERAL MEDICARE PROGRAM.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 30 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY: 711, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Essential steps for Lakeland and Polk County residents preparing for Medicare enrollment. Don't miss critical deadlines that could cost you penalties.
When you turn 65, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare. This window starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after.
If your birthday is June 15th:
If you enroll in the 3 months before your birthday month, coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll during or after your birthday month, there may be a delay in coverage starting.
Still working with employer coverage? If you have coverage through an employer with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. However, this requires careful coordination.
Receiving Social Security? If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You'll receive your Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Not receiving Social Security? You need to actively enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.
This is one of your most important decisions. You have two paths:
Need help deciding? Read our comprehensive comparison guide.
Original Medicare has gaps in coverage. Most people add:
Before enrolling, have ready:
If you're choosing Medicare Advantage or Part D, compare plans based on:
As independent brokers serving Polk County, we can show you all options available in Lakeland at no cost to you.
You can enroll:
If you don't enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period and don't have creditable employer coverage, you may face late enrollment penalties that last for life. Part B penalty is 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll.
Even if you don't take many prescriptions now, enrolling in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period avoids a 1% penalty for each month you go without coverage (unless you have creditable drug coverage from another source).
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6 months starting when you're 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this time, you can't be denied or charged more based on health conditions. After this window, you may face medical underwriting.
Before enrolling, verify that your current doctors in Lakeland accept Medicare or are in-network for the Medicare Advantage plan you're considering.
If you have coverage through an employer with 20+ employees, you can typically delay Part B enrollment without penalty. However, you should still enroll in Part A (it's usually free). When your employer coverage ends, you'll have a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B.
Important: Small employer plans (fewer than 20 employees) don't qualify for this exception. You should enroll in Medicare at 65 to avoid gaps and penalties.
COBRA is not considered creditable coverage for delaying Medicare enrollment. If you're on COBRA when you turn 65, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.
If you have ACA marketplace coverage, you must enroll in Medicare when eligible. Your marketplace coverage will end, and premium tax credits will stop once you're eligible for Medicare.
If you retire before 65 and lose employer coverage, you'll need health insurance until Medicare starts. Options include COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, or your spouse's employer coverage.
If your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay additional amounts for Part B and Part D. These Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) are based on tax returns from 2 years prior.
You'll receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. Keep this card safe and bring it to all medical appointments.
If you enrolled in Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D, you'll receive separate cards from those insurance companies.
Know when your coverage starts. If you enrolled early, it typically begins the first of the month you turn 65.
Let your doctors and pharmacies in Lakeland know about your new Medicare coverage before your first appointment or prescription fill.
Understanding all Medicare enrollment periods is crucial for avoiding coverage gaps. Learn about Annual Enrollment, Special Enrollment Periods, and more.
Turning 65 is overwhelming. We make Medicare simple. Get personalized help from local experts who know Lakeland providers and plans.
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The Bumgardner Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Plant City, and all of Polk County, Florida. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Max Bumgardner is licensed to sell insurance in Florida (License: G033810, NPN: 20824488).