How to Sign Up for Medicare in Florida

The State of Florida has a large number of Medicare service providers from which to choose, thanks to its large and relatively affluent population of seniors. However, if you are turning 65, or applying for Social Security benefits, you have a number of important decisions to make: Whether to enroll in the three optional Medicare coverage plans - Part B, which covers lab fees, physicians and medical equipment costs, Part C, which allows you to take part in a managed-care program, or Part D, which deals with prescription drugs.

Instructions

• 1

  Apply for Social Security Benefits. If you are age 65 years old, you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. However, if you wish to delay receiving Social Security income, but still want to apply to Medicare, you can do it via the Medicare Web site.

• 2

  Log on to the Medicare web site at www.medicare.gov.

• 3

  Select the green button at the top that says "Medicare Basics." Then scroll down the drop-down menu and select "Eligibility and Enrollment."

• 4

  Determine your eligibility. Enter your date of birth and marital status where indicated and click "continue." Then enter whether you have Medicare or Medicaid and select your income range and click "continue" again. Enter whether you are receiving health benefits through an employer and click "continue." Note you must have paid into Medicare to qualify for benefits.

• 5

  Go back to the home page. Select the button on the left that says "Health and Drug Plans." Then click on "Compare Health and Drug Plans." Enter your Florida zip code where prompted, and follow the directions, clicking "continue" after each step.

• 6

  Compare the different drug and health plans available in your area under Medicare Parts C and D.

• 7

  Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.