The state of florida has several different medicare programs that can help residents. Some of these include medicare savings programs and long term care assistance. The area agency on aging for southwest florida can connect residents with resources from adult day care to housing assistance. The state also offers medicare florida advantage plans that can cover items such as dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
Original Medicare, Parts A and B, is a federal health insurance program that provides hospital and medical insurance for seniors and disabled individuals. Medicare Advantage Plans are private plans offered by insurers that can supplement or replace parts of Original Medicare. Plans may offer extra benefits such as fitness programs and transportation to doctor visits. Some of these plans offer coverage outside the United States.
There are four different types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Florida. These are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS) and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Each plan type has a unique cost and benefit structure that can vary depending on where in the state a beneficiary lives.
Medicare Part D is a prescription drug benefit that helps to pay for medication costs. It has a monthly premium, which varies by plan and location. The deductible for Medicare Part D is also variable. It ranges from $183 to $480 per year.
Those who need additional support to afford their Medicare costs can apply for Medicaid. This program is based on income and assets. Individuals who need the most help paying their Medicare costs can qualify for Extra Help. This assistance supports the cost of Medicare Part D monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments for people who need it.
It’s important to find the right plan for your needs and budget. Florida’s Medicare plan options can be confusing, but eHealth’s user-friendly online tool makes it easy to navigate and compare plans. The tool allows you to filter by factors like out-of-pocket costs, provider network, coverage area and insurance company ratings to pinpoint the right plan for your specific needs.
The Florida Medigap open enrollment period takes place each year from October 15 through December 7. This is when residents can change their existing plan or choose a new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan for the following year. Medicare beneficiaries should carefully review their plan options to ensure they’re getting the best value and coverage possible. The Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan chosen can have a significant impact on your healthcare costs over time. Choosing the right plan for your lifestyle and medical needs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and improve the quality of your care. In addition, it’s important to consider how you travel and if your doctors are in-network. If not, the plan might not work for you. This is why it’s critical to review your options during the Medicare open enrollment period.