Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the federal government to people age 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. You can get coverage directly from Florida Medicare or purchase private plans that cover you, as well.
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Florida Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Florida:
- 4,985,731 residents of Florida are enrolled in Medicare.
- There are 613 Medicare Advantage plans available in Florida.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium rose from $9.59 in 2023 to $10.58 in 2024.
- There are 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans in 2024.
- 100% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2023.
- 100% of Floridians with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
- The lowest monthly premium in 2024 for a prescription drug plan in Florida is $0.
Medicare Offered in Florida
Original Medicare
Original Medicare offers basic health insurance coverage. Part A covers some inpatient care costs for hospital stays, costs associated with stays in a skilled nursing facility or hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers a portion of the costs for necessary medical and preventive services to diagnose or treat a medical condition.
Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing care. The federal government administers original Medicare to U.S. residents over 65. At the same time, supplemental Medicare plans cover things that are not covered by Part A, and Part B can be purchased from private insurance providers.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines Original Medicare with Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage.
Some of the private insurers who offer Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Aetna Medicare
- Allwell
- Bright Health
- CarePlus Health Plans
- Cigna
- Devoted Health
- Florida Blue
- Lasso Healthcare
- Prominence Health Plan
- Solis Health Plans
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, cover healthcare costs that are not covered by Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D. In Florida, there is a tool provided by The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that allows residents to easily compare the premium costs of various Medigap plans.
Some of the private insurers who offer Medicare Supplement plans include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- Everence Association Inc.
- Florida Blue
- Great Southern
- Lumico
- Prosperity Life Group
- State Farm
Florida Medicare Enrollment
Requirements
To qualify for Medicare, Florida residents must be U.S. citizens aged 65 and over or have received Social Security disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months.
Enrollment Period Dates
The enrollment period dates for Medicare in South Carolina are the same as the enrollment dates nationwide.
Initial Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Florida Enrollment Tips & Advice
- Be aware of when you are eligible for enrollment in Medicare (see above)
- Consider your specific medical needs when shopping for a Medigap plan, such as vision, hearing, or dental needs
- If you collect disability checks, you may enroll in a Medigap plan before you turn 65.
- You may use the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s online tool to compare the premium costs of various Medigap plans before you decide to purchase one
- Understand your coverage: Original Medicare may not be sufficient for your health and medical needs
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about Florida Medicare and your eligibility for supplement or advantage plans, speak to one of our licensed agents today. Our agents will discuss your Medicare options and help you find a plan that works for you.
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