Why people from Puerto Rico sometimes don't have Part B
Medicare.gov says that if you live in Puerto Rico and get Social Security benefits, Part A comes automatically, but you have to sign up for Part B. If you didn't sign up in time, you may have to wait and pay a monthly late penalty. Check whether your Medicare card shows Part B before you shop for a Florida plan.
When can you sign up for Part B in Florida?
| Your situation | When to sign up |
|---|---|
| You're in your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around 65) | During that period, with no penalty. |
| That period has passed | General Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31. Coverage starts the next month. A penalty may apply. |
| Your Puerto Rico Medicaid ended because you moved (or for another reason) | Special period: from when you're told it's ending until 6 months after it ends (form CMS-10797). |
| You or your spouse have coverage from a current job | Up to 8 months after that job or coverage ends, whichever comes first. |
Medicare.gov's list of Part B special enrollment periods doesn't include a move, or the end of COBRA or retiree coverage. Medicaid is for residents of each state or territory (42 CFR 435.403), so Puerto Rico's Medicaid ends once you live in Florida.
How to avoid or reduce the penalty
- Use your special period if you qualify: no penalty.
- Apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida. Generally, people who enroll in one don't pay a Part B penalty. In Florida you apply with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through ACCESS Florida, the state's application system. See Medicare Savings Programs in Florida.
- Apply for Extra Help. It isn't available in Puerto Rico, but it is in Florida, and it helps with Part D costs. See Extra Help in Florida.
If you're 65 or older, your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you have Part B. If you get Part B while living in Florida, you can buy a Florida Medigap policy in those months without health questions.
What to do
- Update your address. In your my Social Security account or at 1-800-772-1213.
- Sign up in the period that fits you. Online at SSA.gov or with form CMS-40B.
- Choose Florida coverage. If you had a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in Puerto Rico, your move gives you a window to change. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What about my Medicare Platino plan?
What ends when you move.
Your moving special enrollment period
How long you have to change plans.
What happens to my Medicare in Florida?
Each kind of coverage, one by one.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — How do I sign up for Medicare? (Puerto Rico)
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start? (Part A and Part B special enrollment periods)
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Medicare.gov — Extra Help (not available in Puerto Rico)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 407.23, special enrollment periods for exceptional conditions
- eCFR — 42 CFR 435.403, Medicaid state residence
- Medicare.gov — Choosing a Medigap Policy (March 2026)
- Florida DCF — Public Assistance / ACCESS Florida
- Social Security — my Social Security
More questions in this guide
- What happens to my Medicare Platino plan if I move from Puerto Rico to Florida?
- Moving from New Jersey to Florida: what happens to my Medicare?
- Moving from New York to Florida: what happens to my Medicare?
- Moving to Florida from Ohio, Michigan or Illinois: what happens to my Medicare?
- Do I get a special enrollment period when I move to Florida?
- What happens to my Medicare if I move to Florida?
Part of the guide: Moving to Florida with Medicare · All questions
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Part B late enrollment penalty?
10% of the standard premium ($202.90 a month in 2026) for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. It usually lasts as long as you have Part B.
Can I join a Florida Medicare Advantage plan with only Part A?
No. You need both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan. For a drug plan (Part D), Part A or Part B is enough.
Where do I sign up for Part B in Florida?
With Social Security: online at SSA.gov, with form CMS-40B at your local office, or at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). For a special enrollment period, Medicare.gov lists form CMS-10797.
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