Turning 65 by State
The federal Medicare rules are identical wherever you live, but the plan landscape is intensely local. Here is how turning 65 looks across the six states we serve, using real enrollment data.
The same rules, a different landscape
No matter your state, your Initial Enrollment Period is the same seven months, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 in 2026, and the late-enrollment penalties work the same way. What changes from place to place is the market: how many of your neighbors are on Medicare Advantage, what supplements cost, and which carriers compete for your business. Nationally, the average beneficiary has about 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans to choose from in 2026, but exact plan counts vary by county, not just by state.
How turning 65 looks in each state
In Florida
Florida has about 5.14 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 56.1% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 54% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in Florida runs about $175 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the Florida Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in Florida.
In Texas
Texas has about 4.77 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 53.4% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 47% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in Texas runs about $165 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the Texas Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in Texas.
In Arizona
Arizona has about 1.50 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 50.3% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 52% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in Arizona runs about $155 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the Arizona Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in Arizona.
In Georgia
Georgia has about 1.95 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 54.8% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 44% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in Georgia runs about $160 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the Georgia Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in Georgia.
In North Carolina
North Carolina has about 2.23 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 55.3% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 41% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in North Carolina runs about $155 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the North Carolina Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in North Carolina.
In South Carolina
South Carolina has about 1.23 million Medicare beneficiaries, and 45.4% of them are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (state enrollment figures from CMS). Statewide, roughly 39% are on Advantage plans, while those who choose Original Medicare often pair it with a supplement — the average Medigap premium in South Carolina runs about $150 per month. As everywhere, the average beneficiary nationally has around 32 Medicare Advantage drug plans available in 2026, and your exact options depend on your county.
See the full county-level breakdown on the South Carolina Medicare data page, or connect with a licensed Medicare advisor in South Carolina.
What this means as you turn 65
Use these figures as context, not as a decision. A state where most people pick Medicare Advantage does not mean it is right for you — your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and budget matter more than the statewide average. The federal deadlines are what protect you from penalties, so start with the enrollment timeline, weigh Medicare against any employer coverage you still have, and guard your one-time Medigap open enrollment window. When you are ready to act, work through the first-year checklist or return to the turning 65 hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Medicare enrollment rules change from state to state?
The federal rules — the seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, the standard Part B premium, and the late-enrollment penalties — are the same in every state. What varies locally is the plan landscape: how many beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage, the supplements available, and average Medigap premiums.
How many Medicare Advantage plans will I have to choose from?
Nationally, the average beneficiary has access to about 32 Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans for 2026. The exact number available to you depends on your county, not just your state, so two neighbors in different counties can see very different menus.
Why do average Medigap premiums differ by state?
Medigap pricing reflects local medical costs, the insurers competing in your market, and state rating rules. The averages shown here are state-level estimates; your actual premium depends on your age, the plan letter you pick, and the carrier.
Where can I see detailed Medicare data for my state?
Each state block below links to its full Medicare enrollment data page, which breaks down beneficiary counts and Advantage penetration by county, and to a page where you can connect with a licensed advisor in that state.
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Get My Free ReviewThis information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Medicare rules, premiums, and income thresholds change annually — confirm current figures with Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, or a licensed advisor. HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Last reviewed 2026-06-11 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL #G007269).