Florida Medicare Supplement Plans

Florida Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap plans, are private insurance plans designed to help cover the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Private insurance companies offer these plans and can help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance, and hospital costs. There are ten standardized Medigap plans developed by the federal government, which means that Plan G, offered by one insurance company, must offer the same benefits as Plan G, offered by another insurance company. Please remember that Medicare supplement plans are not the same as Medicare Advantage plans. The biggest difference between the two is a Medicare Advantage plan is regulated by Medicare, and State insurance commissioners regulate Medigap policies.

What are my Medicare Benefits

Some of the many Medicare-covered services include:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Surgery (major or minor)
• Ambulance
• Laboratory
• Durable medical equipment (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen)
• Physical, Occupational, and speech-language therapy.
• Flu and pneumonia shots

Best Florida Medigap Plans for 2023

The best Medigap plan for individuals will depend on their specific needs and budget. Some popular Medigap plans in Florida include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan and covers all the gaps in Original Medicare, including the Part B deductible. However, Plan F is no longer available to Medicare beneficiaries who aged into Medicare after January 2020.

Medigap plan G is similar to Plan F but does not cover the Part B deductible. So more simply put, except for the Part b deductible between what Medicare pays and what the Medicare supplement plan g pays, it leaves you with zero out-of-pocket costs except for the premium.

Plan N is a lower-cost option that covers some gaps in Original Medicare. Still, it has some out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments for doctor’s office (up to $20.00) and emergency room (up to $50.00, that doesn’t result in an in-patient admission) visits, and doesn’t cover the Part B excess charges.

So what is the best medicare supplement plan? That is a great question, and the answer is unique to your individualized needs, the most comprehensive coverage with the least out-of-pocket costs.

Who is Eligible for Medigap Plans in Florida?

To be eligible for a Medigap plan in Florida, an individual must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They must also be at least 65 years old, although some individuals under 65 may be eligible due to a disability. Your primary residence (homestead) must be in Florida.

Medigap Plans in Florida for Beneficiaries Under 65

Some individuals under 65 may be eligible for a Medigap plan due to a disability. To be eligible, an individual must be enrolled in Medicare due to a disability and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. It is important to note that Medigap plans are unavailable to individuals under 65 enrolled in Medicare due to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

All Medicare supplement plans in Florida are available to anyone who qualifies for Medicare, which I think is a neat benefit compared to other States that don’t mandate that.

Which Medigap Provider Can I Use?

No matter which Florida Medicare supplement plan you have, you have the freedom to use any Medicare provider found online at www.medicare.gov and self-refer to any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. This is a great benefit compared to other Medicare plans and is perfect for those who like RV traveling or snowbirds/sunbirds.

How Much do Medigap Plans in Florida Cost?

The cost of a Medigap plan in Florida will depend on the chosen plan, the insurance company offering the plan, and the individual’s location. There is a stark difference in price with the same company for a zip code located in the panhandle versus central Florida and an even bigger difference with Miami. Some factors that can impact the cost of a Medigap plan include the individual’s age, gender, and tobacco use. Shopping around and comparing prices from different insurance companies is important to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Please remember Medicare supplement insurance doesn’t offer prescription drug coverage as a part of the plan and is sold separately.

When to Enroll in Medigap Plans in Florida

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan in Florida is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first day of the month that an individual is both 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies are required to offer Medigap plans to individuals without considering their medical history, which means that an individual with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage or charged more for a Medigap plan. Enrolling in a Florida Medigap plan during this time is important to ensure you can get the coverage you need.

If you already have a Medicare supplement plan, you can change to another one that is cheaper anytime throughout the year. However, you will undergo medical underwriting to qualify for the new Medigap policy.

How to get a Medigap plan in Florida

We’ve chatted with many clients who tell us they can’t find an agent specializing in Medicare Supplement plans, as all the agent wants to pitch them is Medicare Advantage. Give us a call or a text at 352-508-4221; we would love to answer any questions you may have, show you our philosophy for buying a Medigap plan, and help you enroll in the best plan for you. Our agency is located in Tavares, FL, in central Lake County. We serve all Floridians across our great state. Remember, our services don’t cost you extra; you get another layer of support for your plan.

Additional perks for Medicare Beneficiaries in Florida

In addition to the Medigap plans themselves, some Medigap insurance carriers in Florida offer additional perks. For example, some give a gym membership, a 24/7 nurse line, and discounts on hearing and vision. While these perks are not a part of the insurance contract and can be ended at any given time, they are nice to have around while you have access to them.

Original Medicare coverage covers health care expenses in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands; however, there is no health care coverage outside of that area. Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N all have an added benefit of foreign travel emergency services which gives you a little benefit while traveling outside the USA.