Turning 65 in Palm Beach County?
Get Local Medicare Help

When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare. The first step is enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period. This period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and continues for 3 months after.

After enrolling in Medicare, you can choose additional coverage such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay. Many Palm Beach County seniors also add a Part D prescription drug plan.

Speaking with a local Medicare advisor can help you compare options and choose coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

You should apply for Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday. Applying early helps ensure your coverage starts on time and prevents gaps in healthcare coverage.

If you enroll during the three months before your birthday month, your Medicare coverage usually begins the first day of your birthday month.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have qualifying coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B. This penalty is typically 10% added to your monthly Part B premium for every 12 months you were eligible but did not enroll.

In addition to the penalty, you may also have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (January–March) to sign up, which could delay your coverage.

Yes. If you are still working at age 65 and have employer health insurance from a company with 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without a penalty.

Once you retire or lose employer coverage, you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Part B.

It depends on the size of your employer and the type of coverage you have. If your employer has 20 or more employees, your group health plan may remain your primary coverage and you may be able to delay Medicare Part B.

However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may become your primary coverage when you turn 65. In this situation, enrolling in Medicare on time is important to avoid coverage gaps.

Because every situation is different, it’s helpful to review your employer coverage with a Medicare specialist before making a decision.

Your best time is during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period — we’ll help you get it right.

Yes — during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) or Special Enrollment periods if eligible.

Absolutely — we analyze costs and coverage so you get the best fit.