Medicare is the government health insurance program for those aged 65 and over or under 65 with a qualifying disability. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is an alternative version of Medicare that is offered and administered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans in Florida and most other states typically include additional benefits like dental, hearing, and vision coverage.
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Since Florida ranks 2nd for seniors enrolled in Original Medicare. Insurance companies flock to the state to offer their Medicare Advantage plans. Certainly, having many companies competing for business puts Florida seniors at an advantage since competition typically results in lower prices.
Florida Medicare Advantage plans are the best of all worlds for certain consumers. While there is less flexibility than with Original Medicare, they offer more benefits and can often be cheaper. You’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers, but you’ll also have access to dental and vision coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida are looking better than ever in 2023.
Highlights of Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida for 2023
2023 Premiums
- The average premium for a Florida Medicare Advantage plan in 2022 is $8.54 which is only $0.08 higher than in 2021.
- In 2022, there are over 580 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from which represents an increase in competition of 57 new plans.
- Any senior in Florida who is eligible for Original Medicare will have access to a Florida Medicare Advantage plan with a $0.00 premium.
Insurers that offer Florida Medicare Advantage Plans
If you believe in the financial benefit resulting from competition, you’ll be pleased to know that there are 28 insurance providers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Florida in 2022:
- Aetna Medicare
- Ascension Complete
- AvMed Medicare
- BayCare Health Plans
- Bright Health
- Capital Health Plan
- CarePlus Health Plans
- Cigna
- Devoted Health
- Doctors HealthCare
- Florida Blue
- Florida Blue HMO
- Freedom Health
- Health First Health Plans
- HealthSun Health Plans
- Humana
- Lasso Healthcare
- Leon Health Plans
- MMM of Florida
- Molina Healthcare of Florida
- Optimum Health Care
- Oscar
- Prominence Health Plan
- Simply Healthcare Plans
- Solis Health Plans
- Ultimate Health Plans
- UnitedHealthcare Plans
- Wellcare
Depending on the Florida county you reside in, you will likely have considerable choices when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan.
How will I know which Companies offer the Best Service and Prices?
Certainly, monthly premiums have a tremendous impact on choosing a health insurance plan, but for many seniors, service is of critical importance as well. Regretfully, not every company that sells cheap insurance offers outstanding customer service so making the right selection will take some research.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the responsible federal agency for overseeing Medicare Advantage plan providers. And as such, they have developed a 5-star rating system for the private companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans.
Although each company’s plans are rated, we are listing the companies that earned a 4.5 or 5-star rating for 2022:
5-Star Rating |
BayCare Health Plans |
Capital Health plan |
CarePlus Health Plans |
Cigna |
HealthSun Health Plans |
Optimum Health Care |
UnitedHealthcare |
4.5 Star Rating |
Aetna Medicare |
Devoted Health |
Florida Blue HMO |
Freedom Health |
Humana |
Simply HealthCare Plans |
UnitedHealthcare AARP |
Wellcare |
Certainly, this list is a lot to take in but it should help Medicare Advantage shoppers whittle their research down from 28 Florida Medicare Advantage insurance companies to 15 (if the rating is important to you).
Our Recommendations for Compiling a Shortlist of Companies
Over the years we have found that the majority of seniors we speak with have similar needs and considerations when we speak to them about Medicare Advantage insurance and these are their typical concerns:
- How much is the monthly premium and what are the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays?
- Is my doctor in the network and if not, is there a substantial list of doctors to choose from?
- Does the plan cover prescription drugs and if so, will the network of pharmacies in my area meet my needs?
- Does the plan offer coverage for dental, vision, and hearing since I don’t have those coverages under my Original Medicare?
- Does the plan offer additional benefits such as transportation to doctors’ offices, a gym membership, or meal delivery benefits?
- Is the plan an HMO or PPO plan?
Rather than attempt to research for all of these questions online, you lessen your work and reduce your time on the internet by contacting an experienced independent health insurance broker who represents many of the highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Florida.
Are Zero-Premium Medicare Advantage Plans Really Free?
The short answer is no, and here is why. Although your Medicare Advantage plan is not charging a monthly premium, you will still be required to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
The reason for this is that Medicare will send your Part B premium to your Medicare Advantage provider to help cover its operational costs. In simple terms, the private insurance company is willing to provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage plus additional benefits because they (quite frankly) can do a better job than the federal government does administering their health insurance plans.
So then, the bottom line is you are not getting health insurance for free, but you are getting better health insurance coverage than what you’d get from Medicare Part A and Part B.
What are the Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
The primary difference between Medicare Advantage plans is the type of organization under which it operates. There are four different types of plans available to seniors living in Florida:
There’s no doubt that many seniors or individuals under 65 who are disabled have a lot to consider when they’re shopping for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida. But with innovative technology, independent insurance brokers can provide quotes online for every company they represent and then advocate for you during the underwriting process.
A Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement broker represents many insurance companies but are not employees of the companies. This independent relationship allows your health insurance broker to put your needs before the insurance company and prevents the cookie-cutter selling process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does CMS rate Medicare Advantage plans?
CMS conducts the Medicare Advantage plan ratings annually and the ratings are released in October. We recommend that you review your plan’s ratings every fall to make certain they are a top-rated company.
What is the average cost of a Florida Medicare Advantage plan in 2022?
The monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans in Florida range from $0 to $145.50. However, policyholders will continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium ($170.10 in 2022).
What are the most popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida?
We have found that for 2023, the three most popular Medicare Advantage Companies in Florida are Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Wellcare.
Is it true that some Medicare Advantage plans will refund a portion of your Medicare Part B premium?
Yes, it’s true. Several Florida Medicare Advantage plans will refund a portion of your Medicare Part B premium depending on your zip code. Additionally, almost every zip code in Florida has a Medicare Advantage plan for a $0.00 monthly premium.
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