The decisions you make when you first enroll in Medicare can affect your coverage and costs for life. NISONA helps Florida residents navigate Medicare with confidence — free, local, and completely unbiased.
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Most people spend more time researching a new car than they do choosing their Medicare coverage. When you’re turning 65, the decisions you make as you first enroll can affect your healthcare costs and coverage options for the rest of your life — so getting it right the first time matters.
The good news: You don’t have to figure this out alone. NISONA advisors help Florida residents navigate Medicare every day — at no cost to you. We work for you, not the insurance companies.
These are the most common and costly errors we see new Medicare enrollees make in Florida. Knowing them in advance can save you thousands of dollars.
Many people assume they can sign up for Medicare anytime after turning 65. In reality you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. Miss it and you could face a permanent 10% penalty on your Part B premium for every 12-month period you delayed.
The fix: Mark your calendar 3 months before your 65th birthday and contact NISONA well in advance to plan your enrollment timeline.
If you are still working at 65 and covered by an employer plan this is one of the most complicated areas of Medicare. Whether you need to enroll depends on the size of your employer. Getting this wrong can lead to penalties and coverage gaps.
The fix: Contact NISONA before you turn 65 so we can review your employer plan and determine exactly what you need to do — and when. See our full guide on Medicare and employer coverage for details.
Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. If your doctor is not in the network you could end up paying out-of-network rates or having to switch providers entirely. This surprises many new enrollees who do not check before signing up.
The fix: Always verify your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospital are in-network before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan. NISONA checks this for you.
Skipping a Part D prescription drug plan when you are first eligible is a common mistake. If you need one later you will face a permanent late enrollment penalty — 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for every month you went without coverage.
The fix: Enroll in a low-premium Part D plan when you first become eligible — even if you take no medications today. The penalty adds up quickly if you wait.
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6 months starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B — insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to health conditions. Wait past this window and you may be subject to medical underwriting.
The fix: Apply for your Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period when guaranteed issue rights apply.
Here are the key costs for Original Medicare in 2026 that every new enrollee in Florida should know. Tap any part below for the complete breakdown.
| Medicare Part | What It Covers | 2026 Premium | 2026 Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital, skilled nursing, hospice | $0 for most people | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient services | $202.90/month (standard) | $283 per year |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage — all-in-one plans | Varies — some $0 | Varies by plan |
| Part D | Prescription drug coverage | Varies by plan | Up to $590 per year |
| Medigap | Fills gaps in Parts A and B | Varies by plan and carrier | Varies by plan |
✓ 2026 Part D Update: The Medicare Part D out-of-pocket maximum is now capped at $2,100 per year. Once you reach this limit your covered prescription drugs cost $0 for the rest of the year.
This is the single most important decision new Medicare enrollees face. In short: Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan gives you nationwide access to any doctor with predictable costs, while Medicare Advantage bundles everything into one plan — often $0 premium — through a local network.
⚠ Important: Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan later can be difficult. In Florida you may be subject to medical underwriting outside of guaranteed issue periods. Getting it right the first time is critical.
Original Medicare is comprehensive but it does have gaps. Knowing what is not covered helps you plan ahead and choose the right supplemental coverage.
✗ Not Covered
✓ How to Fill the Gaps
Here is a simple month-by-month roadmap for getting your Medicare set up correctly.
Your Initial Enrollment Period opens. Contact NISONA to review your options and begin comparing Medicare Supplement or Advantage plans. Apply for Medicare Parts A and B through Social Security.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins — your guaranteed issue window for Medicare Supplement plans. Insurance companies cannot deny you or charge more due to health conditions during this 6-month period.
Medicare Part B coverage typically begins. Your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan should also be active. Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan if you have not already done so.
Every year from October 15 to December 7 you can review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following year. NISONA will contact you each year to review your coverage.
Medicare plans change every year. Premiums go up, formularies change, and new plans become available. NISONA reviews your coverage annually at no charge to make sure you are always in the best plan for your needs and budget.
Answers to the questions we hear most often from new Medicare enrollees in Florida.
With Original Medicare and a Medigap plan you can see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare — no referrals needed. With Medicare Advantage you must use in-network providers. Always verify your doctors are in-network before choosing an Advantage plan.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying reason you may face permanent late enrollment penalties on Part B (10% per year delayed) and Part D (1% per month delayed). You would then need to wait for the General Enrollment Period which runs January 1 through March 31 each year.
No — Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage are two separate paths. You choose one or the other. If you have Medicare Advantage you cannot use a Medigap plan. If you have Original Medicare you can add a Medigap plan to cover your out-of-pocket costs.
Absolutely not. NISONA’s Medicare advisory service is completely free to you. Insurance carriers pay licensed agents directly — it does not affect your premium in any way. You get expert, unbiased guidance at zero cost.
They are the same thing — just two names for the same product. Both terms refer to private insurance policies that supplement Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Now that you understand the basics, explore the full lineup of Medicare Parts, Supplement plans, and Advantage options — or find guidance specific to your area of Florida.
We encourage you to review these official government resources as part of your Medicare decision.
⚠ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a complete description of Medicare benefits. Plan availability and costs vary by county. Contact a licensed Medicare agent for personalized guidance. NISONA is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with Medicare or the Social Security Administration.
Turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time is one of the most important healthcare decisions you will ever make. The right guidance at the right time can save you thousands of dollars and ensure you have the coverage you need when you need it most.
NISONA advisors serve Vero Beach, Sebastian, Melbourne, and the entire Treasure and Space Coast. We are local, licensed, and 100% on your side.
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