Ranked as the second state in the United States with the highest proportion of retirement-age residents, there’s no wonder why more than 22% percent of the state’s total population is enrolled in Medicare. Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Florida. With more than 4.6 million Florida beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Florida. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) in Florida
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
Florida Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Florida
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Florida?
Medicare covers most Florida residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Florida residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Florida works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Florida
Florida’s Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE): SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. Contact: Call 1-800-963-5337
Senior Medicare Patrol: Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs helps protect seniors against Medicare Advantage fraud, misuse, and over-billing through the Senior Medicare Patrol program. Administered in conjunction with the SHINE program, Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. SMPs are grant-funded projects of the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Contact: Call 1-800-963-5337. FL-SMP services are also available through local Area Agencies on Aging, also known as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
Senior Legal Helpline: The Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and brief services by telephone appointment to eligible Florida residents age 60 and older, for civil (not criminal) legal problems. The Senior Legal Helpline also makes referrals to state and local regulatory agencies and, when it is determined that court representation is necessary, helps seniors find legal providers in their communities. Contact: Call 1-888-895-7873
Medicare Savings Program: The Medicare Savings Program is a state-sponsored subsidy program for low-income seniors who have difficulties covering the cost of Medicare. If you are struggling with the costs of Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Medicare and the state Medicaid program provide assistance with paying your Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments through four different programs. Contact: Call 1-800-963-5337 or book a one-on-one appointment with a SHINE counselor through your local Area Agency on Aging.
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Florida. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Florida so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.