The Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Florida

Over 40% of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) beneficiaries in Florida are enrolled in a private Medicare Supplement insurance plan. These optional policies, called Medigap for short, help cover your portion of Medicare costs like deductibles, coinsurance and copays. 

Medigap works alongside Original Medicare, which doesn't contribute to your health care costs until you've met your Part A and B deductibles. Once you've paid your deductible, you typically pay coinsurance each time you use a Medicare-covered service. These types of expenses are covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance.

What Are the Best Florida Medicare Supplement Plans?

Insurance carriers can typically sell 10 types of Florida Medigap plans, covering deductibles, coinsurance and emergency care outside of the country. Insurance companies must package the benefits exactly as set out by Medicare but can set their own premiums. We've included a chart to help you compare the coverage provided by each type of plan.

While most people want the Part B deductible covered by Medigap, regulations now require new Medicare enrollees in Florida to pay for this annual limit out of their own wallet. This means if you're eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you can't buy Medigap Plans C or F — the two standardized plans which include this benefit. You can get Plans D and G instead, which offer similar coverage without the Part B deductible. 

If you regularly visit a Florida health care provider that charges fees above the Medicare-approved amount, Plans F or G may be good options. Both plans cover 100% of excess charges. Plans F and G also pitch in 80% of emergency care if you're outside of the country, offering peace of mind when traveling abroad.

Plan N offers extensive Medigap benefits, except the Part B deductible and excess charges. You may find premiums are lower with Plan N policies because they require small copays for some doctor's appointments and emergency care.

How Do I Enroll in Florida Medigap Plans?

While you can join a Florida Medigap plan year-round, you have certain protections when you're first eligible.

Insurance companies typically underwrite policies, which is a challenge for those who have a medical condition or are considered high risk. However, when you're first eligible for Medigap — and in special circumstances — you enjoy guaranteed issue rights to buy Medigap. At these times, you can sign up with any Medigap plan without worry of higher premiums or refusal of coverage because of your health. Insurers must also cover any pre-existing conditions.

These protections apply when:

• Your six-month Medigap open enrollment period opens. This window starts the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Once this enrollment period ends, you may no longer qualify for guaranteed coverage, so be sure to use it to your advantage.

After the end of your Medigap open enrollment period, you may also have guaranteed issue rights if:

• Your coverage through a workplace group plan is ending.
• You no longer live in your Medicare Advantage service area.
• You joined a Part C plan when first eligible and now want to return to Original Medicare (after less than 12 months).
• Your insurance company is no longer providing coverage.

Helpadvisor.com is owned and operated by Tranzact, the parent company of TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, which is the owner/operator of MedicareSupplement.com and other websites mentioned on HelpAdvisor and which has a financial relationship with some of the carriers listed on HelpAdvisor.