How to Apply for Medicare in Florida

Applying for Medicare in Florida is absolutely no different from applying for Medicare in any other state. Medicare is a federal insurance program. Therefore, the enrollment rules stay the same state by state. Since these steps are so standard, you will not have to worry about complex state and local laws governing Medicare administration. Moreover, the application process itself is easy and can be completed either at your local office or online.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Proof of insurance
• Social security card
• Medicare application

1. Meet the basic requirements for Medicare. You must be either at or over 65 years old, or disabled and under 65 years old. You can also qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 and suffering from end-stage renal disease (kidney failure). The final requirement is that you or your spouse must have worked 10 years at a job that has Medicare coverage.

2. Bring your birth certificate, social security card, proof of other health insurance and driver's license to your local Social Security office and fill out the Medicare enrollment forms. Call on assistants at the office for help if you feel confused about the forms.

3. Note carefully what type of coverage you want. There are four types of coverage to consider: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. Parts A and B cover hospital visits and outpatient services, respectively. Part C covers enrollment in a private insurance plan, while Part D covers costs of prescription drugs.

4. Submit your application to your local Social Security office. Expect to wait several weeks until you get your Medicare card in the mail.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that if you are over 65, you are already receiving Medicare benefits since you are eligible for Social Security benefits. Specifically, you are receiving Medicare Part A and B on the first day of the first month of your 65th birthday. You only need to complete the above steps if you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits. You can apply for Medicare online at ssa.gov. You will also have to apply for Social Security benefits at the same time, since you can't apply only for Medicare online.
• Remember that you can't enroll in both Part C and Part D, even if Part C does not cover prescription-drug costs.

Resources

• Information on applying for Medicare