The open enrollment for Medicare is deadline is Friday December 7, 2012 to enroll for the first time or to change plans.
For first time enrollees, the government has a tip sheet on understanding the open enrollment period is here: http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11219.pdf
Generally speaking, you will not pay a premium for Part A (once called “hospitalization”) but will for Part B (outpatient costs, generally).
Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans, may or may not include Part D, prescription drug coverage. Part D may be bought separately if you have Original Medicare.
There are penalties, though, for enrolling late or enrolling in both a Medicare Advantage Plan that has Part D included along with a separate Part D plan, so be careful.
People insured under Original Medicare may also want to consider a Medigap policy, which for a premium that varies by company, pays some, most or all of what Original Medicare does not.
Since few people know what health challenges are down the road, one cost that can be compared is medications you currently take. To compare your costs for Part D coverage by various companies, you can consult planprescriber.com. This tool also provides a free assessment of your presumed costs with a Medicare Advantage plan vs. Original Medicare.
Perhaps the best resource for Floridians with any questions about any Medicare options is at myfloridamedicare.net.