Blue cross blue shield of florida medicare supplement plans

Many Medicare beneficiaries in Florida enroll in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans to reduce their out-of-pocket Medicare expenses. Although some states have specific rules, Medigap plans in Florida closely follow the federal guidelines for Medicare Supplement coverage.

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On this page, we dive into everything you need to know about Medigap plans in Florida for 2023.

Best Medigap Plans in Florida for 2023

Original Medicare does not cover 100% of medical costs for beneficiaries. Medicare Supplement plans are designed to close the gap between what Medicare pays and what the beneficiary pays, lowering out-of-pocket costs.  The best Medigap plans in Florida align with the best Medigap plans nationwide. It is no surprise that Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N are the most popular plans available in the Sunshine State for 2023.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available, leaving you with no out-of-pocket medical expenses. The only cost you pay with Medigap Plan F is the monthly premium.

The only out-of-pocket cost for those with Medicare Supplement Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible. However, beneficiaries receive 100% medical coverage once they meet the deductible.

Lastly, those with Medicare Supplement Plan N will also pay the Medicare Part B deductible and may be responsible for co-payments at the doctor or for hospital visits. In addition to copayments, beneficiaries in states that allow excess charges may be responsible for additional costs when receiving services from doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment. Excess charges are applicable in Florida, so it is important to speak with your doctor about Medicare assignment before receiving treatment to avoid unexpected costs.

Depending on when you became eligible for Medicare, you may not be able to enroll in Medigap Plan F. However, this is not a reason to worry. Each year, more Medicare beneficiaries in Florida enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G regardless of their eligibility for Medicare Supplement Plan F. Although Medigap plans in Florida are not the cheapest, Medigap Plan G seems to be the most cost-effective plan for beneficiaries.

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Who is Eligible for Medigap Plans in Florida?

If you enroll in Original Medicare, you qualify for Medigap plans in Florida. Each beneficiary gets a six-month Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period to select a plan and avoid the underwriting process.

Delaying enrollment may result in the inability to enroll in a Medigap plan in the future. You can still apply for a policy outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, but your pre-existing health conditions could result in higher premiums or denial from the plan.

Medigap Plans in Florida for Beneficiaries Under 65

Those under 65 can expect their Medigap premium to be much higher than for someone over 65. Because of this, many beneficiaries with Medicare and disability opt for a Medicare Advantage plan until they turn 65.

Any carrier offering Medigap plans in Florida must provide plans to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 as well as those 65 and older. Not every state requires carriers to provide Medigap coverage options to beneficiaries under 65.

How Much do Medigap Plans in Florida Cost?

Medigap plans in Florida base their cost on age, sex, ZIP Code, and smoking status. Each of these factors play a role in determining your specific Medicare Supplement monthly premium. Below, we provide a monthly premium example from a 65-year-old non-smoking male and female living in Florida.

When to Enroll in Medigap Plans in Florida

The rules around enrollment for Medigap plans in Florida are standard. Suppose you sign up for Medicare Part B at or after age 65. In that case, you will receive a six-month Open Enrollment Period. This enrollment period allows you to enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan without medical underwriting. This Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 or enroll in Medicare Part B.

If you receive Medicare Part B before age 65, you will not only receive an Open Enrollment Period beginning the first day of the month your Medicare Part B goes active but again beginning the first day of your 65th birth month. Your second Open Enrollment period will also last six months.

If you enroll in Medicare Part B and have group coverage paying secondary, you will receive a two-month Open Enrollment Period when you lose group coverage voluntarily or involuntary. This time allows you to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting health questions.

Aside from these significant Open Enrollment Periods, unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights, you must answer underwriting health questions when applying for Medigap coverage. Thus, a carrier can deny coverage to anyone because of pre-existing conditions.

Additional Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries in Florida

Aside from Medigap plans in Florida, several other coverage options are available to Medicare beneficiaries that complement their Original Medicare coverage.

Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, so it is essential to enroll in Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D works with Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans by providing beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage. Several insurance carriers in Florida offer Medicare Part D policies.

Alongside Medicare coverage options, Florida also offers dental, vision, and hearing plans, as well as cancer, heart attack, and stroke plans. Original Medicare does not cover dental, vision, or hearing benefits, so these plans are popular among beneficiaries. Many beneficiaries enroll in these additional plans to create the most full coverage plans possible.

If you decide Original Medicare benefits are not for you and are looking for a Medicare all-in-one plan, many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Florida. Each Medicare Advantage plan offers differing benefits and maximum out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind, Medicare Advantage plans often have provider networks and restrictions that would not be applicable with Medigap.

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FAQs

Does Medicare cover home health care in Florida?

Yes, Medicare will cover the cost of home health care. If you do not have a Medigap plan, you will be responsible for the Medicare Part A deductible. However, you must be under a doctor’s care, homebound, need speech therapy, or skilled nursing care.

What Medigap plans are available in Florida?

There are 12 standardized Medigap plans in Florida.  

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How to Apply for Medicare in Florida

MedicareFAQ is a source for Medicare Supplement education and enrollment, and we assist beneficiaries nationwide. However, we are located in Palm Harbor, Florida, so our agents are extremely familiar with Florida Medigap insurance. You can trust our Medicare experts to find the best Florida Medigap plan for you.

We take your need into consideration and compare rates with the top carriers in your area. Give us a call at the number above to get started today! Can’t call now? No problem. Complete our online rate form to compare rates today!

Jagger Esch is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ and the founder, president, and CEO of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. Since the inception of his first company in 2012, he has been dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their Medicare options. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare.

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