Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida

What are Medicare Advantage Plans and Can I Get One in Florida?

Unlike Original Medicare, which only covers major medical, a Medicare Advantage plan can include many extras, including prescriptions, vision, hearing, dental, and fitness, just to name a few. And, good news, they are available in Florida.

Althought the extra benefits are nice to have, it's important to fully understand what you're getting if you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Florida. Specifically, Medicare Advantage is managed care health insurance and the plan controls your access to healthcare providers. If you have ever had an HMO plan through your employer's group health insurance, you have a good idea of what managed care is all about.

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?

The big differences between traditional Medicare coverage and what you get with Medicare Advantage are easy to see by pointing out the pros and cons. Neither type of insurance is perfect. They each suit different needs.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare: The Pros and Cons

1. Doctor Choice:
• Medicare Advantage: Must use healthcare providers within the plan's network.
• Original Medicare: Use any Medicare-approved provider you choose.
2. Copays, Coinsurance and Deductibles:
• Medicare Advantage: Each plan can charge what they want for copays and coinsurance, making it challenging to compare actual costs.
• Original Medicare: Coinsurance and deductibles are predictable and you can get a Medicare supplement to help pay these costs.
3. Out-of-Pocket Limits:
• Medicare Advantage: You're protected by the plan's annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. Once you reach this spending limit the plan pays all additional copays and coinsurance for the rest of the year.
• Original Medicare: No out-of-pocket limit.
4. Prescriptions:
• Medicare Advantage: Most plans come bundled with a Medicare Part D plan for prescription coverage.
• Original Medicare: You must buy a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.
5. Travel:
• Medicare Advantage: You're covered for travel emergencies within the USA but not for routine doctor visits outside of your home county.
• Original Medicare: You're covered anywhere you go in the USA and its territories.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

Most Florida seniors just getting their Medicare benefits want to know which type of plan is better. We commonly see these three questions:

• Why are Medicare Advantage plans bad?
• What are the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans?
• Is it better to have Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

Let's take a minute or two to compare and contrast, shall we?

Why Florida Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

This is a myth. There's nothing wrong with Medicare Advantage plans. In fact, over 20 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in Florida choose Medicare Advantage.

What you really need to know is that these plans are not for everyone. Some people are better served with traditional Medicare and a Medicare supplement. The question is, which option is best for you?

A good way to figure out which coverage is best for you is to look at your health and your finances. If you have one or more chronic conditions and you can afford a supplement, traditional Medicare is likely the best option because you have the ability to choose your doctors. Conversely, if you are super healthy, or you are unable to afford a Medicare supplement, then Medicare Advantage is a viable option.

Here's the fundamental truth. Medicare plus a Medigap plan works best for people with chronic health conditions. It's also the best coverage for people who can afford a higher monthly premium, even if they rarely see a doctor.

You can learn more about what Medicare supplements are available to you on our Florida Medigap plans page or check out our Medicare Supplement Reviews.

The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage Plans if You Live in Florida

The disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans is the strength of Florida Medigap plans. You see, when you take doctor choice out of the equation, the big difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap is when you pay for services.

With most Medicare Advantage plans you pay a little each month (the monthly premium) and a copay when you use medical services. With most Medigap plans you pay most of your costs upfront with your monthly premium. As a result, your costs are more predictable than they might be if you have Medicare Advantage and use a lot of healthcare services

Is it better to have Medicare Advantage in Florida or Medigap?

• If you can afford Medigap Plan F or G, then keep your Original Medicare and add one of these supplements.
• If you are a healthy senior and have good health in your family heritage, Medigap Plan N will let you save money by sharing some costs when you see your doctor.
• If you are a healthy senior but you cannot afford a Medigap Plan F, G, or N, Medicare Advantage is a good choice.
• If you are turning age 65, have one or more chronic health conditions that require frequent doctor visits, and you do not qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), the most Medigap coverage you can afford is the best option.
• If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, regardless of your health condition, Medicare Advantage is your best option.
• If you have special needs (i.e., a full-time nursing home resident, diabetes, etc.) and an appropriate Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) is available, this is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida by County

The Medicare Advantage information on this page is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on October 15, 2020.