Florida Medigap Plans Explained: A Simple Guide

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You’ve worked hard for your retirement savings. The last thing you want is a surprise medical bill wiping them out. While Original Medicare is a solid foundation, it leaves gaps—big ones. Without a cap on your annual out-of-pocket costs, a single health issue could become a financial crisis. That’s where Florida Medigap plans step in. These plans are designed to fill those financial gaps, giving you predictable costs and peace of mind. We’ll break down how Medigap plans in Florida protect your nest egg, what affects their price, and how to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Key Takeaways

Focus on Medigap for medical bills, not prescriptions: Medigap plans are designed to work with Original Medicare to cover costs like deductibles and coinsurance. You will still need to enroll in a separate Part D plan for your prescription drug coverage.
Plan benefits are standardized, but prices are not: A Plan G from one company offers the same core benefits as a Plan G from another, but the monthly premium can differ greatly. This allows you to shop for the best price on the exact coverage you want.
Prioritize your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: This is your one-time, six-month window to buy any Medigap plan without answering health questions. Missing this period can make it much more difficult and expensive to get coverage later on.

Florida Medigap Plans: What Are They, Really?

If you’re on Original Medicare, you know it covers a lot—but not everything. Those leftover costs, like deductibles and coinsurance, can add up quickly. That’s where Florida Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance, come into play. Think of a Medigap plan as a partner to your Original Medicare. It’s sold by private insurance companies and is designed specifically to help pay for some of the health care costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover.

Understanding how these plans work is the first step toward finding financial peace of mind in retirement. Let’s break down what Medigap is, how it works with your existing Medicare coverage, and what it doesn’t include.

First, What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement insurance helps fill the financial “gaps” in Original Medicare. When you receive medical care, Medicare pays its approved amount, and you’re typically responsible for the rest. This can include deductibles, which is the amount you pay before Medicare starts paying, and coinsurance, your share of the costs after your deductible is met.

A Medicare Supplement plan helps cover these out-of-pocket expenses. Instead of facing an unpredictable bill, you pay a monthly premium to a private insurer. In return, the plan pays for some or all of those remaining costs, giving you a clearer picture of your annual health care spending. This makes budgeting for medical expenses much more predictable.

How Medigap and Original Medicare Work Together

Your Medigap plan works directly with your Original Medicare coverage. It doesn’t replace it. You’ll still use your red, white, and blue Medicare card when you visit a doctor or hospital. After Medicare pays its share of the bill, it sends the remaining amount to your Medigap insurance company. Your Medigap plan then pays its portion, which is usually the 20% that Medicare doesn’t cover.

All standardized Medigap plans cover certain basic benefits, including coinsurance for hospital stays, hospice care, and doctor visits. This seamless coordination means less paperwork and fewer surprise bills for you, allowing you to focus on your health instead of worrying about costs.

Covering the 20% Gap

Original Medicare is a great start, but it generally only pays for 80% of your medical bills for things like doctor visits and hospital stays. You’re responsible for the other 20%, and what’s concerning is that there’s no annual limit on how high that amount can go. A serious illness or an unexpected surgery could leave you with a mountain of out-of-pocket costs. This is exactly why Medigap plans are so important. They are designed to cover that 20% gap, along with other expenses like deductibles and copayments. By paying a predictable monthly premium for a Medigap plan, you can trade unpredictable medical bills for a stable, manageable expense. This gives you the financial security to plan your retirement with confidence, knowing your savings are protected.

Knowing the Limits: What Medigap Doesn’t Cover

It’s just as important to understand what Medigap plans don’t cover. First and foremost, Medigap plans sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. For that, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. This is a common point of confusion, so it’s a critical distinction to remember.

Additionally, Medigap generally doesn’t pay for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover in the first place. This includes routine dental, vision, and hearing care. It also doesn’t cover long-term care, such as extended stays in an assisted living facility or nursing home. You’ll need to plan for these expenses separately.

Your Medigap Plan Options in Florida

When you start looking at Medigap plans in Florida, you’ll notice they’re labeled with letters. This is because Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, which is actually a huge help. It means a Plan G from one insurance company must offer the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. This setup allows you to compare plans apples-to-apples, so you can focus on price and the insurance company’s reputation instead of getting lost in confusing benefit differences. While there are several standardized plans available nationwide, not every company offers every single one in Florida.

Decoding the Medigap Alphabet: Plans A-N

In Florida, you have access to a variety of Medigap plans designed to fill the cost-sharing “gaps” left by Original Medicare, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The plans are lettered A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, with each letter corresponding to a specific level of coverage. This standardization makes it much easier to find a plan that fits your health needs and budget. You can see a full breakdown of what each of the standardized Medigap plans covers on the official Medicare website, which is a great resource for comparing your options side-by-side.

Spotlight on Florida’s Most Popular Plans

While you have many options, most people find their best fit among three popular plans: G, F, and N. Plan F has long been a favorite because it offers the most comprehensive coverage, paying for nearly all the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. For new Medicare members, Plan G is now the top choice. It provides extensive coverage very similar to Plan F, with the main difference being that you must pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible yourself. Plan N is another excellent option if you’re looking for a lower monthly premium and don’t mind handling some small copays for doctor or emergency room visits.

Medigap Enrollment Statistics in Florida

You’re not alone in considering a Medigap plan to manage your health care costs. In fact, it’s a very common choice for Medicare beneficiaries across the state. According to recent data, nearly 930,000 people in Florida have Medigap plans to help cover their out-of-pocket expenses. This widespread adoption highlights the value these plans offer in creating predictable, manageable health care budgets. When so many of your neighbors rely on this type of coverage, it’s a strong indicator that it provides real financial security and peace of mind for retirees.

Florida’s Top 3 Medigap Plans

While there are several options, three plans consistently stand out in Florida. Plan F is the most popular, with 51% of Medigap members enrolled. It’s known for its comprehensive coverage, but it’s only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. For everyone else, Plan G is the top choice and the second most popular plan overall, with 24% of members. It offers the same high level of coverage as Plan F, with one simple difference: you pay the annual Part B deductible. Finally, Plan N is a great option for those who want lower monthly premiums. It accounts for 10% of members and requires you to pay small copays for some doctor and emergency room visits.

The Plan F Phase-Out: What You Need to Know

You may have heard that Plan F is no longer available, which is only partially true. Due to a change in federal law, Medigap plans sold to new enrollees can no longer cover the Medicare Part B deductible. This means if you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot purchase Plan F or Plan C. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before that date, you might still be able to buy Plan F. For everyone new to Medicare, Plan G is now the most complete Medigap plan you can get, offering the highest level of coverage currently available to new members.

What Do Florida Medigap Plans Cost?

When you start looking at Medigap plans in Florida, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wide range of prices. It’s not unusual to see monthly premiums as low as $46 or as high as $1,286. That’s a huge difference, and it can feel a little confusing. Why isn’t there just one set price for each plan?

The simple answer is that your Medigap premium is personal. It’s based on the plan you choose, the insurance company you buy from, and several details about you. Think of it less like buying a product off the shelf and more like getting a tailored service. The price is calculated based on a combination of factors, from the way insurance companies structure their rates to your age and where you live in the Sunshine State. Understanding these factors is the first step to finding a plan that fits your budget without sacrificing the coverage you need.

Understanding Your Total Out-of-Pocket Costs

When you’re budgeting for health care in retirement, it’s easy to focus only on the monthly Medigap premium. But to get a true picture of your annual costs, you need to account for a couple of other key expenses that are part of Original Medicare. Think of your total out-of-pocket spending as a simple equation: your Medigap premium plus your Medicare Part B premium and your Part B deductible. These costs are separate from your Medigap plan but are essential parts of your overall health care budget. Knowing exactly what they are and how they work together will help you avoid any financial surprises down the road.

The Medicare Part B Premium

Your Medicare Part B premium is a monthly fee you pay directly to Medicare for your outpatient medical coverage, which includes things like doctor visits, lab tests, and preventive care. This cost is completely separate from your Medigap premium. For most people, the standard Part B premium is set each year by the government. For example, in 2025, the standard premium is expected to be around $185 per month. It’s important to remember that you’ll pay this amount every month regardless of which Medigap plan you choose or which insurance company you go with. It’s a fixed piece of your health care puzzle.

The Medicare Part B Deductible

The other key cost to plan for is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for your medical services before Original Medicare starts to pay its share. In 2025, this deductible is $257 for the entire year. This specific amount is important because it’s the one expense that the popular Medigap Plan G doesn’t cover. Once you’ve paid this $257, your Plan G coverage kicks in to pay the remaining 20% that Medicare doesn’t. This structure helps keep Plan G premiums more affordable while still providing comprehensive protection against large medical bills.

How Are Medigap Premiums Priced in Florida?

Insurance companies in Florida use one of three methods to set your Medigap premiums. Knowing which method a company uses can help you anticipate how your costs might change over time.

Community-rated: This is the most straightforward method. Everyone with the same plan pays the same premium, regardless of their age. Your rate won’t go up just because you have a birthday.
Issue-age-rated: With this method, your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy. It “locks in” your age bracket, so you won’t see increases just for getting older. Premiums are generally lower for people who buy at a younger age.
Attained-age-rated: This is the most common pricing method. Your premium is based on your current age, so it will increase as you get older. These plans often start with lower premiums but can become more expensive over time.

What Affects Your Medigap Premium?

Beyond the company’s pricing method, several personal factors will influence your specific monthly premium. Insurance companies look at your individual profile to determine your rate.

Key factors include:

Your Age: Generally, the older you are when you enroll, the higher your premium will be, especially with attained-age-rated plans.
Your Location: Where you live in Florida matters. Premiums can vary by ZIP code, with rates in Miami potentially differing from those in Jacksonville.
Tobacco Use: If you’re a smoker, you can expect to pay more for your coverage than a non-smoker.
Gender: Some, but not all, insurance companies may factor gender into their pricing calculations.

Being aware of these factors can help you understand the quotes you receive.

Your Geographic Location

It might seem odd, but your ZIP code has a real impact on what you’ll pay for a Medigap plan. Insurance companies set their rates based on local factors, so the premium for the exact same Plan G could be different in Miami than it is in a smaller town like The Villages. This is because the cost of healthcare itself isn’t uniform across the state; premiums can vary widely across different areas. Regions with higher living costs or more expensive hospital systems often see higher Medigap premiums to match. As a result, your location is one of the key pieces of information an insurer uses to calculate your monthly rate. This is why it’s so important to get quotes that are specific to your address, ensuring you see the most accurate pricing for your situation.

Why Do Different Companies Charge Different Prices?

This is a question we hear all the time: “If Plan G has the same benefits everywhere, why does one company charge so much more than another?” It’s a great question. While the federal government requires that the benefits for each Medigap plan letter be standardized, it doesn’t regulate the price.

Each insurance company sets its own premiums based on its business model, administrative costs, and other internal factors. One company might have lower overhead, while another may be trying to attract a larger market share with more competitive pricing. This is why shopping around is so important. You could save hundreds of dollars a year on the exact same coverage just by comparing quotes from different insurers.

Sample Premiums in Jacksonville

To see how this plays out in the real world, let’s look at some sample numbers. We’ll use Jacksonville as our location and base the quotes on a 65-year-old female who doesn’t smoke. For Medigap Plan G, one of the most comprehensive options, you’ll find that monthly premiums from different insurers can be surprisingly different. For example, you might see quotes like $210 from State Farm, $215 from Mutual of Omaha, and $228 from AARP/UnitedHealthcare, while the lowest price in the area could be closer to $194. The story is similar for Plan N, another popular choice. You could find prices ranging from $157 with Mutual of Omaha to $195 with AARP/UnitedHealthcare, even though the lowest available premium might be around $144. These examples highlight why comparing your options is so critical. You are buying the same standardized benefits, but the price you pay can differ by hundreds of dollars a year depending on the company you choose.

How to Choose the Right Florida Medigap Plan

Choosing a Medigap plan can feel like a huge decision, but it really comes down to matching a plan’s benefits with your personal health needs and budget. While there are several standardized plans available in Florida, most people find their best fit among three popular options: Plan G, Plan F, and Plan N. Each one offers a different balance of monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Think of it as a spectrum: on one end, you have higher monthly payments but very few (if any) costs when you see a doctor. On the other end, you have lower monthly payments but will pay some smaller costs, like copays, when you receive care. Understanding where you’re most comfortable on that spectrum is the key to picking the right plan. Let’s walk through these top contenders to help you figure out which one might be the right choice for you.

Comparing Florida’s Top Insurance Providers

Once you’ve decided which Medigap plan letter fits your needs, the next step is to choose an insurance company. In Florida, you’ll find a competitive market filled with both large, national brands and smaller, regional insurers. Since a Plan G from one company has the same core medical benefits as a Plan G from another, your decision will likely come down to two key factors: the monthly premium and the company’s reputation. It’s wise to look at a company’s history of rate increases and its customer service record. This is where the real comparison shopping begins, as you could find the exact same coverage for a significantly different price just by choosing a different provider.

Market Leaders: AARP/UnitedHealthcare and Florida Blue

When you look at the Medigap market in Florida, two names stand out due to their size. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider by a wide margin and covers more than half of all Medigap members in the state. The second-largest is Florida Blue, a company with deep roots in the local community. The popularity of these companies often reflects their financial stability and brand recognition. While many people find comfort in choosing a well-known provider, their size doesn’t automatically guarantee the lowest price. It’s always a good idea to compare their rates against other highly-rated companies to ensure you’re getting the best value for your specific situation.

Providers Recognized for Unique Benefits

While the core benefits of Medigap plans are standardized, some companies offer extra perks to attract customers. These added benefits can sometimes be the deciding factor between two similarly priced plans. For example, Florida Blue is known for its unique “Same Age Forever” premium protection on some of its plans, which is a type of issue-age rating that can help keep your rates more stable as you get older. Other companies might include a free gym membership through programs like SilverSneakers or offer access to discount programs for vision, dental, or hearing services. When considering these extras, think about whether you’ll actually use them. A lower monthly premium will almost always provide more value than a perk you don’t take advantage of.

Is Plan G the Best Choice for New Enrollees?

If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan G is likely the most comprehensive coverage you can buy. Think of it as your all-around, reliable partner to Original Medicare. It covers nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs, including hospital deductibles and coinsurance. The only thing you’ll have to pay is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. Once you’ve met that for the year, Plan G picks up the rest of the approved costs. A huge plus is that Medicare Supplement Plan G is accepted by any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. You won’t have to worry about networks, giving you the freedom to see the specialists you want, wherever you are.

Plan F: Who Can Still Get This Comprehensive Plan?

For years, Plan F was the gold standard of Medigap plans because it offered the most coverage possible. It pays for everything Plan G does, plus the annual Part B deductible. This means that with Plan F, you generally have zero out-of-pocket costs for any Medicare-approved services. However, there’s a big catch: due to a change in federal law, Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees. You can only purchase Plan F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you qualify, it’s still an excellent option for predictable, comprehensive coverage. But for anyone new to Medicare, Plan G has become the most popular Medigap plan for its robust benefits.

Considering Plan N for Lower Premiums?

If you’re looking for a plan with lower monthly premiums and don’t mind some small, predictable out-of-pocket costs, Plan N is a fantastic choice. It offers the same core benefits as Plan G but with a couple of key differences in how you share costs. With Plan N, you’ll be responsible for a copay of up to $20 for some doctor’s office visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that don’t result in a hospital admission. This trade-off makes Plan N a great fit for people who are relatively healthy and want to keep their fixed monthly expenses down. You still get solid protection against major medical bills, but you pay less each month in exchange for small, occasional copays when you need care.

A Note on Part B Excess Charges

As you compare plans, you’ll come across a benefit called “Part B excess charges.” It sounds complicated, but it’s an important detail. In short, while most doctors accept the Medicare-approved rate for their services, some don’t. These providers are allowed to charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s set amount, and that extra cost is passed on to you as an excess charge. This is a key difference between the top Medigap plans. Both Plan G and Plan F cover these charges completely, so you never have to worry about them. Plan N, however, does not. This is one of the reasons Plan N has a lower monthly premium—you’re taking on the risk of paying these charges yourself if you see a doctor who bills for them.

Are High-Deductible Plans a Good Fit for You?

For those who want the absolute lowest monthly premium and are comfortable with taking on more financial risk, a high-deductible plan might be worth considering. With a High-Deductible Plan G, for example, you must pay for all Medicare-covered costs out-of-pocket until you meet a significant annual deductible that is set each year. After you’ve met that deductible, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. This option can be a good strategy for healthy individuals with a solid savings account who can comfortably cover the deductible if a major health issue arises. However, it’s crucial to enroll at the right time, ideally during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, to ensure you can get the plan without medical underwriting.

Your Action Plan for Choosing a Medigap Policy

Now that you know what the different Medigap plans cover, it’s time to compare your options and pick the right one for you. This process is more straightforward than it seems. It’s not about finding a secret, perfect plan, but about doing a little homework to find the right combination of price and reliability for your needs. By focusing on a few key areas, you can confidently compare your options and make a choice that gives you peace of mind.

How to Use Florida’s Rate Comparison Tools

You don’t have to guess what premiums will cost. Florida provides official resources to help you see what different insurance companies charge for the exact same standardized plan. The state’s Medicare Supplement rate search tool is the best place to start. Since every Plan G (or any other lettered plan) offers the same basic benefits, price is a major differentiator. Using this tool lets you create a shortlist of companies that fit your budget, giving you a clear and manageable list to research further. It’s a simple way to make sure you aren’t overpaying for your coverage.

Leveraging Free State Resources

Beyond the state’s rate comparison tool, Florida offers several other free services to help you make sense of your Medicare options. These resources are designed to provide unbiased information and support, so you can feel confident in your decisions without any sales pressure. Think of them as your local support system, staffed by people who are trained to help you understand the details of Medigap insurance. Taking advantage of these programs is a smart way to get personalized answers to your questions and ensure you have a full picture of your choices before you enroll.

SHINE: Unbiased Medicare Counseling

One of the best resources available to Floridians is the SHINE program, which stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. This is a state-funded program that provides free, unbiased counseling on all things Medicare. The counselors are highly trained volunteers who are not affiliated with any insurance company, so their only goal is to help you. You can meet with a SHINE counselor to discuss your specific situation, compare Medigap plans, and get clear answers to your questions. It’s an invaluable service if you’re looking for one-on-one guidance from a knowledgeable and impartial source.

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) is the primary entity that oversees the insurance industry in the state, and it offers more than just the rate comparison tool. Their website is a hub of reliable information, providing guides and consumer tips specifically about Medicare Supplement insurance. This is where you can find official publications that explain your rights as a policyholder and break down the rules that insurance companies must follow. Using the FLOIR website is a great way to educate yourself directly from the source that regulates the plans you’re considering.

Florida Department of Financial Services

If you ever have questions about your insurance or run into a problem with a company, the Florida Department of Financial Services is on your side. This department acts as a consumer advocate, helping residents with insurance-related inquiries and complaints. Their helpline can be a great resource if you feel you’re being treated unfairly or if you simply need help understanding a complex issue with your policy. Knowing that this department exists provides an extra layer of security, ensuring you have a place to turn for support if you need it.

Why a Company’s Financial Strength Matters

A low premium is only a good deal if the company behind it is stable and reliable. Before you commit, it’s wise to check the financial health of the insurance companies on your shortlist. A financially strong company is more likely to pay claims promptly and keep rate increases predictable over time. Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation provides access to the NAIC Complaint & Financial Information tool, which shows company ratings and any complaints filed against them. Taking a few minutes to review this information helps you choose a dependable partner for your health coverage, not just the cheapest option available today.

Don’t Miss Your Open Enrollment Window

Timing is everything when you first sign up for Medigap. Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a critical, one-time window. It starts on the first day of the month that you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting. This means they are required to sell you any Medigap plan they offer, regardless of your health history. They can’t deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium because of pre-existing conditions. Missing this window can make it much more difficult and expensive to get a Medigap plan later on, so it’s important to act during this time.

Who Is Eligible for Medigap in Florida?

To purchase a Medigap plan in Florida, you first need to have your foundation in place. The primary requirement is that you must be enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes both Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). While most people become eligible when they turn 65, you may also qualify if you are under 65 and have certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It’s also critical to understand that you cannot have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. These are two separate paths for your health coverage, so you must get a Medigap plan only if you are sticking with Original Medicare.

The 30-Day “Free Look” Period

Florida provides a valuable consumer protection known as the 30-day “free look” period. This rule gives you a safety net when you purchase a new Medigap policy. From the day your plan starts, you have 30 days to review it and decide if it truly meets your needs. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you can return the policy within that window and receive a full refund of any premiums you paid. This is particularly helpful if you are switching from one Medigap plan to another, as it gives you time to try the new plan and confirm it’s the right choice before fully committing. It’s a great feature that ensures you can make your decision with confidence.

Your Medigap Comparison Checklist

Once you have your shortlist of affordable and financially stable companies, it’s time to dig into the details. Since the core benefits are standardized, you should focus on the cost structure and any company-specific perks. When you speak with an agent or company representative, be ready with these questions:

How will my premium increase as I get older? Is it based on my age when I buy the policy (issue-age) or my current age (attained-age)?
What has the company’s rate increase history been over the last few years?
Do you offer any extra benefits, like discounts on gym memberships or vision services?

Getting clear answers will help you understand the long-term value of a plan beyond its initial monthly premium.

Don’t Fall for These Florida Medigap Myths

Medicare can feel like a maze of rules and exceptions, so it’s no surprise that a few myths about Medigap have popped up. It’s easy to get tripped up by misinformation when you’re trying to make the right decision for your health care. Let’s clear the air and tackle some of the most common misconceptions you might hear about Florida Medigap plans so you can move forward with confidence.

Myth #1: Medigap Covers Your Prescriptions

One of the biggest points of confusion is prescription drug coverage. It’s important to know that Medigap plans sold today do not cover your medications from the pharmacy. These plans are designed to help pay for your out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, like deductibles and coinsurance for hospital and medical services. To get help with prescription costs, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. Think of Medigap as coverage for your doctor and hospital bills, while Part D handles your prescriptions.

Myth #2: Medigap Is the Same as Medicare Advantage

This is a big one. While both are sold by private insurance companies, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans are fundamentally different. Medigap plans work with your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to fill in the cost gaps. In contrast, a Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits, essentially replacing Original Medicare. The rules are simple: you can have Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan, or you can have a Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot have both at the same time, so it’s a choice you have to make.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage Enrollment in Florida

In Florida, this choice comes down to how you want to receive your health care. If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll keep your Original Medicare and have the freedom to see any doctor in the U.S. that accepts it. Your Medigap policy will help pay for the deductibles and coinsurance that Medicare leaves behind, but you will need to sign up for a separate Part D plan for your prescription drugs. On the other hand, a Medicare Advantage plan bundles your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage into one package. These plans often have provider networks, like an HMO or PPO, and may include extra benefits like dental or vision care. The most important thing to remember is that you can’t have both. You’ll either pair Original Medicare with a Medigap and Part D plan, or you’ll choose an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.

Myth #3: You Can Switch Medigap Plans Whenever You Want

It would be nice if you could buy or switch Medigap plans whenever you wanted, but that’s generally not how it works. The absolute best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This personal window starts on the first day of the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this protected time, an insurance company can’t use your health history to deny you coverage or charge you more. Outside of this period, your options can be much more limited, and insurers can require medical underwriting.

Myth #4: The Same Plan Costs the Same Everywhere

Because Medigap plans are standardized by the government, a Plan G from one company has the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. But that doesn’t mean they cost the same. The monthly premium for the same lettered plan can vary widely from one company to another. Insurers set their own prices, which is why it’s so important to compare quotes from several different companies. You could save a significant amount of money each year just by shopping around for the best price on the plan you want.

Plan Availability by ZIP Code

It’s not just the price that changes based on where you live; the availability of plans does, too. An insurance company might offer a fantastic Plan G in Miami-Dade County but have no presence in the Panhandle. This is because insurers can choose which specific areas of Florida they want to serve. You need to confirm that the plan you’re interested in is actually offered where you live. This is why your ZIP code is the first thing you’ll be asked for when comparing plans—it determines both which plans you can buy and what you’ll pay for them. You can use the state’s official website to search for sample rates in your area to get a clear picture of what’s available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

If all Plan G policies have the same benefits, should I just pick the cheapest one? While it’s tempting to go with the lowest price, the initial premium is only part of the story. Since the benefits of a Plan G are standardized, you should also look at the insurance company’s history of rate increases and its financial stability. A plan that’s cheap today could have significant price hikes down the road. It’s often better to choose a plan from a stable, reputable company with a history of predictable rates, even if it costs a few dollars more per month upfront.

Can I use my Florida Medigap plan if I travel to another state? Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of having a Medigap plan. Your coverage goes with you anywhere in the United States. As long as the doctor or hospital accepts Original Medicare, they will accept your Medigap plan, regardless of which company issued it or what state you’re in. This gives you the freedom to travel or see specialists in other states without worrying about network restrictions.

Why would I choose Plan N if Plan G covers more? The choice between Plan N and Plan G really comes down to how you prefer to pay for your healthcare. Plan N typically has a lower monthly premium than Plan G. In exchange for that lower fixed cost, you agree to pay small, predictable copays for some doctor and emergency room visits. If you are in good health and don’t visit the doctor often, Plan N can be a great way to save money on your monthly premiums while still having excellent protection against major medical costs.

What happens if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period? Missing your one-time, six-month Open Enrollment Period can make getting a Medigap plan more difficult. After this window closes, insurance companies can generally use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application. This means they can review your health history and may deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium due to pre-existing conditions. This is why it’s so important to sign up for a plan during your initial enrollment window when your acceptance is guaranteed.

Do I have to keep my Medigap plan forever, or can I switch later? You are not locked into your Medigap plan for life, but switching isn’t always simple. Outside of your initial Open Enrollment Period, you generally don’t have a right to switch plans unless you qualify for a special circumstance. If you want to change from one Medigap plan to another, you will likely have to answer health questions and go through medical underwriting. An insurance company can deny your application based on your health, so it’s wise to choose your initial plan carefully.