Florida has just about 4.6 million individuals enrolled in and relying upon Medicare. With a state that’s seen rapid growth and continues to increase its number, Medicare isn’t going to shrink in importance to the second-biggest population of people aged 65 or older.
So we’ll look at the number of people enrolled in various parts of Medicare, their options, and resources that can pair them with their desired benefits.
Overview of Florida Medicare
- Around 2,450,000 beneficiaries of Part A, Part B, or both reside in the Sunshine State.
- 1,900,000 of those recipients aged into Medicare, while roughly 230,000 were enrolled due to a disability.
- Another 2,230,000 boomers are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
- Nearly 3,460,000 also enjoy Medicare Part D for their prescription drugs.
Medicare Costs for Coverage in Florida
Part A and Part B of Medicare have standard coverage and costs, as mandated by the U.S. government. So there shouldn’t be a surprise for Floridians.
Let’s look at what these parts of Medicare cover: Part A is for anything related to hospital visits, also known as inpatient care. Part B refers to all other health care services like yearly checkups, specialist visits, flu shots, or other outpatient treatments.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
|
|
Original Medicare Coverage for Floridians
Less than 20% of Floridians have at least one of the two parts of Original Medicare. About 2,160,000 receive benefits from both Part A and Part B.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
|
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
|
Sifting Through Supplemental Plans in Florida
The most significant increase in Original Medicare in a single year is occurring now. While Parts A & B have benefits and costs standardized by the federal government, these are not free, all-inclusive coverage plans.
You might need to add supplemental coverage to be protected entirely health-wise.
Depending on how you view it, it’s both a positive and a negative that Floridians have many supplemental Medicare plans to choose from.
It’s a benefit because there’s a very good chance you can find the right blend of value and comprehensive coverage. But it can be disorienting to make so many comparisons on your own.
A Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, does just that for its beneficiaries: it bridges the gap between what Original Medicare does and does not cover.
Florida residents might desire a plan like this because it can simplify their medical coverage, be easily comprehended, and provide standardized benefits for a small monthly premium.
It’s important to note that Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You’ll want to enroll in a standalone Part D plan to cover your prescriptions at the pharmacy.
A Medicare Advantage plan is a great option for Floridians on a limited monthly budget. Some include prescription coverage, but not all.
Medicare Resources for Floridians
Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs has its version of a SHIP program called Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). This organization provides resources and helps with many health aspects, including Medicare.
If you need access or assistance with Medicaid, Florida’s got you covered in that regard as well. The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration are two great options to find out how to start receiving Medicaid benefits or manage your existing coverage.
While these resources will get you on the right path, they won’t help you with supplemental Medicare coverage. Don’t worry; we can help with that!
Florida Cities with Estimated Premiums for Medigap Coverage
Each town in Florida comes with its estimated premiums for Medigap coverage. We have estimates at your fingertips for the following cities:
FAQs
What is the best Medicare plan in Florida?
There is no exact answer to this question. Parts A and B cost the same no matter where you live in Florida. If you’re looking at other parts of Medicare to supplement A and B, the best plan for you will be the one where you have the full coverage you want at an affordable price for your budget.
Is Medicare the same as Florida Blue?
Florida Blue is a Health Maintainance Organization (HMO) plan that offers Medicare supplemental plans but is not Medicare itself. Think of Florida Blue as just one of the companies offering Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans.
Is Medicare free in Florida?
The federal government provides Part A of Medicare free of charge as long as you’re 65, a U.S. citizen, have 10 years minimum of work history, or suffer from a disability. Part B also covers the same group of people but carries a small monthly premium.
Signing Up for Supplemental Medicare in Florida
As you can see, it can be a chore to sign up for Original Medicare, let alone any supplemental plans. But if you take advantage of the services of a licensed agent, searching for the right benefits doesn’t have to be difficult.
The best part is the services of an agent are free! To receive complimentary assistance from one of our agents, just give us a call or fill out our rate form to get rate quotes for your area.
Related content:
- Best States to Retire
- Best Florida Medicare Supplement Plans
- Best Florida Medicare Advantage Plans
- Best Arizona Medicare Part D Plans
