Florida Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Florida is home to one of the largest Medicare populations in the United States, which means you have plenty of options when it comes to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance. However, more options can also mean more confusion. That's where unbiased, fee-only guidance makes a difference.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in Florida are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Florida's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Florida, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Florida
Florida-Specific Protection
Florida law provides additional consumer protections. If you're replacing an existing Medigap policy with another, you have a 30-day "free look" period during which you can cancel the new policy for a full refund.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Florida
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Florida, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | FL Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $120 - $250 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $90 - $180 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $150 - $300 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Florida, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Florida
For most Florida residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Florida Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Florida also has a robust Medicare Advantage market, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $90 - $300+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Florida-Specific Medicare Considerations
Snowbirds and Part-Time Florida Residents
If you split your time between Florida and another state, Medigap offers a significant advantage: nationwide coverage. Your Medigap plan works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States. Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling.
Hurricane and Natural Disaster Considerations
Florida's exposure to hurricanes means you may need to evacuate or seek medical care outside your normal area. Medigap plans provide flexibility during emergencies since they work anywhere in the country.
Florida SHINE Program
Florida offers a free counseling program called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) through the Department of Elder Affairs. While SHINE counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage.
Medigap premiums in Florida typically range from $90-$300+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (Miami is often more expensive than rural areas), gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.