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Turning 65 or already on Medicare? Florida has more Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans than almost any other state. Philip Smith, a licensed Florida Medicare agent, helps you compare every option available in your ZIP code — including plans you won't find on Medicare.gov.
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without qualifying coverage results in a permanent 10% Part B premium penalty for every 12 months you delayed. If you wait 2 years, that's a 20% penalty you pay for the rest of your life. Talk to Philip before your 65th birthday — there's no cost to ask.
Florida has one of the largest Medicare populations in the country — over 5 million Floridians are enrolled. That means Florida also has one of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets, with dozens of carriers offering plans in most counties. More competition is generally good for beneficiaries, but it also means more complexity when comparing your options.
The core decision most Floridians face is choosing between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan paired with Original Medicare and a Part D drug plan. These two approaches have very different cost structures: Advantage plans typically have low or $0 monthly premiums but network restrictions and cost-sharing when you use care. Supplement plans have higher monthly premiums but predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
For Floridians who spend part of the year in another state — snowbirds or seasonal residents — a Medicare Supplement plan often makes more sense because it covers you anywhere in the country, while many Medicare Advantage plans are network-restricted to specific Florida counties.
Philip Smith (NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232) is licensed to sell Medicare plans in Florida and works with multiple carriers including Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS, and others. He can compare every Medicare Advantage plan available in your specific ZIP code side by side, including star ratings, out-of-pocket maximums, drug formularies, and dental/vision benefits. The comparison is free — Philip is compensated by the carrier you choose, so there's never a cost to work with him.
All-in-one plans replacing Original Medicare — often with $0 premiums, dental, vision, and hearing. Network-based care with an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Works alongside Original Medicare to cover the 20% gaps — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. See any Medicare-accepting doctor, anywhere in the US.
Missing your enrollment window causes permanent lifetime penalties. Understand exactly when to enroll, what qualifies as creditable coverage, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
A $0 premium Advantage plan can cost you thousands more than a $150/month Supplement plan if you have surgery or a hospital stay. Calculate your worst-case out-of-pocket scenario for each plan.
Medicare Advantage plans have specific provider networks. Before enrolling, verify that your primary care doctor, cardiologist, orthopedist, and any other specialists you see are in the plan's network.
If you take regular medications, compare each plan's drug formulary. The same medication can be a $5 copay on one plan and $200+ on another depending on which tier it's classified.
CMS rates Medicare Advantage plans 1–5 stars based on quality and member satisfaction. Plans below 3 stars are at risk of being discontinued. Philip only recommends plans with 4+ star ratings.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and is offered by private insurers — often with $0 premiums and extra benefits like dental and vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover gaps like copays and deductibles. Advantage plans typically cost less monthly but have network restrictions. Supplement plans cost more but let you see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide.
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after — a 7-month window total. Enrolling late without qualifying coverage (like active employer insurance) results in a permanent Part B penalty of 10% for every 12-month period you delayed. Florida has no grace on this — the penalty is for life.
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. You can also switch Advantage plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31). Switching from Advantage back to a Supplement plan may require medical underwriting outside your initial enrollment window.
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental or vision care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans in Florida include dental, vision, and hearing benefits — sometimes at no additional premium. The coverage varies significantly between plans. Philip reviews the exact dental and vision benefits for each plan before recommending one.
There is no single best plan — the right plan depends on your ZIP code, your doctors, your prescriptions, and how much you use healthcare. Florida has dozens of Medicare Advantage plans available in most counties. Philip compares all plans available in your specific ZIP code and filters by your doctors and medications.
Philip Smith · Licensed Florida Medicare Agent
NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232 · Independent agent licensed in Florida · Compares Medicare Advantage plans from Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS, and more. Not captive to any single carrier. The comparison and consultation are always free.
Philip compares specific PPO, HMO, and EPO plans from 22+ carriers based on your doctors, budget, and ZIP code — in one free call.
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