Licensed insurance agency
A licensed health insurance agency is a great place to start your search for Medicare in Florida. They can help you compare the different policies and find out what is right for you, which will save time because they are experts on the subject of health insurance. The licensed insurance agent can also show you affordable medicare plans in Florida.
Medicare eligibility
How do you qualify for Medicare in Florida? You must be eligible for medicare and meet certain requirements according to your age. By paying Medicare taxes for at least ten years, you will be eligible to enroll in Medicare. If you are a spouse of someone who is on medicare already, then you may qualify for coverage as well.
If you are receiving disability benefits, then you will also be eligible for Medicare. You must also be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States. Social security benefits are not considered a way to qualify for Medicare.
Medicare enrollment
You sign up for medicare with Social Security Administration. You can do this online at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ or with your local social security office. You can find your local social security office online at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
Once you're enrolled in medicare you can contact your licensed insurance agent or look for a health plan since you're in the initial enrollment period.
Enrollment period
There is the initial enrollment period and general enrollment period. Initial enrollment period happens after you enrolled in Medicare and you can pick any Medicare plans. General enrollment period allows you to enroll into Medicare part B if you missed the chance. You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A if you meet the requirement.
Late enrollment
You get a late enrollment penalty if you don't get any prescription drug plans by the deadline.
Medicare parts
As you may have noticed in the enrollment section federal medicare program has different parts.
• Medicare Part A hospital insurance
• Medicare Part B medical insurance
• Medicare Part C Medicare advantage
• Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
Part A benefits deals with inpatients stays and part b benefits deals with doctor visits. Part D is your prescription drug coverage and this can be a stand alone Medicare prescription drug plan or part of a Medicare advantage plan which is Part C.
Medicare advantage plan
Florida Medicare beneficiaries who has Part A and Part B coverage can get an advantage plan. Florida Medicare Advantage plans are from private health insurance companies that worked under Centers for Medicare Medicaid services. Medicare tasks these private insurance companies to administrate original medicare coverage and offer additional Medicare benefits. Some Medicare advantage plan offer drug coverage.
Medicare advantage plans network
Advantage has a medical provider network. If you would like to continue to seek professional medical advice from your provider, make sure to find a health insurance plan that's partnered with your providers.
Medicare prescription drug coverage
Original Medicare does not offer prescription drugs and you would have to get a prescription drug plan from an insurance company. To pick the right coverage just ask the insurance plan for a drug formulary to make sure they offer the correct medication.
Medicare supplement insurance plans
Medicare supplement plan just like the advantage plan offer Part A and Part B coverage but do not offer any medication benefits. You have to pay a monthly premium to keep supplement plans. You would need a stand alone Medicare Part D plan to avoid the late enrollment penalty You should do a needs assessment to figure out which type of plan is right for your out of pocket costs.
Medicare Resources
Federal government Social security or Railroad Retirement Board helps you check your Medicare eligibility or sign up for Original Medicare which is Part A and Part B.
Once you have sign up for Medicare and have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B Florida Medicare beneficiaries may contact a licensed agent to compare Medicare supplement insurance plans, Medicare advantage plans, and Medicare part d plans.
If you need help or a second opinion you may contact Eternal Insurance Agency.
Helpful Links
Department of Financial Services
Suppose there are any suspicions or fraudulent activity. In that case, you may make reports to the State directly through their website or call the consumer service line at (877) 693-5236.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Office of Florida is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of insurance.
Florida Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services
This site provides information about insurance agents, adjusters, bail bond agents, and compliance.