Free printable resource · 2026
The 2026 Medicare Enrollment Checklist
Everything to do before and during your Medicare enrollment — for Texans and Floridians. Print it, save it, share it. It's free.
2026 Medicare Enrollment Checklist — Texas & Florida
Giron Agency · (713) 997-5768 · gironagency.com
3 months before you turn 65
- Create a my Social Security account and check your Medicare eligibility
- Enroll in Medicare Part A & B at SSA.gov/medicare (unless you have creditable employer coverage)
- Decide whether to take Part B now or delay it (only safe with qualifying employer coverage)
- Gather your list of doctors and prescription medications
Choose your path
- Compare Medicare Advantage (low premium, network, yearly cap) vs. Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D (higher premium, any doctor, predictable)
- If you want Medigap, apply during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment — no health questions
- Check that YOUR doctors and YOUR drugs are covered by the specific plan
- Consider travel: snowbirds usually do better with Medigap (no networks)
2026 numbers to budget
- Part B premium: $202.90/month (more for high earners)
- Part B deductible: $283/year
- Part D out-of-pocket cap: $2,100/year (can be paid monthly)
- Medicare Advantage in-network out-of-pocket max: up to $9,250
- Medigap Plan G at 65: ~$125–$205/mo in Texas, ~$230+/mo in Florida
Don't miss these deadlines
- Initial Enrollment Period: the 7 months around your 65th birthday
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7 (changes start Jan 1)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31
- Missing your window without other coverage = lifelong Part B + Part D late penalties
Ask before you enroll
- Are my doctors and hospital in this plan’s network?
- Are all my medications on the formulary, and at what tier?
- What’s my realistic total annual cost — premium + copays?
- What dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits are included?
Avoid these common mistakes
- Auto-renewing without comparing — plans change every year
- Picking a $0-premium plan without checking the drug formulary
- Missing your enrollment window and owing lifelong penalties
- Going it alone — an independent agent compares every option at no cost
Want a real person to walk through it with you?
Matt is licensed in Texas and compares every option for you — free, no pressure.