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.
Turning 65 in Lakeland or Polk County? You have important Medicare decisions to make — and a narrow window to make them. Get it right the first time with free local guidance.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is just 7 months long. Miss it and you may face lifetime penalties on your Part B and Part D premiums — and a gap in coverage. Start your Medicare planning 3 months before your 65th birthday.
When you turn 65, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare. This window opens 3 months before your birthday month and closes 3 months after.
3 Months Before
Enroll now for coverage to start on your birthday. Best option for most people.
Birthday Month
Coverage starts the following month. You're still on time, but don't wait longer.
After the Window
Late penalties apply. Part B: 10% per year you waited. These last a lifetime.
For a complete breakdown of every Medicare enrollment window, see our Medicare enrollment periods guide.
In this video, we walk you through everything you need to know about enrolling in Medicare when you turn 65 — timelines, options, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
When you turn 65, you don't just get Medicare — you make choices. Here's what you're deciding between:
Government-run coverage for hospital (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B). Works nationwide with any provider that accepts Medicare. No network restrictions — but also no out-of-pocket maximum, meaning costs can be unpredictable.
Most people pair Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement and a Part D drug plan.
Private insurance plans approved by Medicare. Often include dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Most plans have $0 or low monthly premiums and cap your annual out-of-pocket costs.
You use a network of local doctors and hospitals. We verify that your Lakeland providers are covered before you enroll.
Covers the gaps in Original Medicare — copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Gives you predictable costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide. Higher monthly premiums, but minimal out-of-pocket when you use care.
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. After that window, insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on health. Don't miss it.
Standalone prescription drug plans that work alongside Original Medicare and Medigap. Even if you don't take medications now, enrolling in an inexpensive plan at 65 protects you from future late-enrollment penalties if your health changes.
Not sure which path is right for you? Read our Medicare Advantage vs Medigap comparison guide — or just call us and we'll walk through it together for free.
If you have coverage through an employer at 65, your situation depends on employer size:
Employer with 20+ employees: Your group plan is primary. You can delay Part B enrollment without penalty until you retire. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when you leave.
Employer with fewer than 20 employees: Medicare becomes primary at 65. You must enroll in Part B on time to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.
This area is complex and mistakes are costly. Call us before making any decisions about delaying Medicare.
At No Cost to You
Our consultations and enrollment assistance are always free. We're compensated by the carriers, never by clients.
Local Provider Knowledge
We know which Lakeland and Polk County doctors and hospitals are in which networks. We verify before you enroll.
We Work for You
As an independent agency, we represent multiple carriers and give you unbiased guidance — not a sales pitch for one company.
Year-Round Support
We don't disappear after enrollment. We're here for plan reviews, billing questions, and annual coverage checks every October.
Lakeland and Polk County residents turning 65 — schedule a free, no-pressure consultation today. We'll walk through your timeline, your options, and make sure you get enrolled right the first time.
Deepen your Medicare knowledge with our comprehensive guides covering enrollment, plan comparison, and prescription coverage.
Complete guide to enrollment deadlines, 10 costly mistakes to avoid, and how to get started.
Read guide →Compare both paths with real-world cost scenarios to help you choose the right plan for your situation.
Read guide →Understand drug coverage stages, formularies, and how to choose the right Part D plan.
Read guide →The Bumgardner Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and all of Polk County and Central Florida. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Information provided is for educational purposes. Medicare plans, benefits, and costs are subject to change annually.