How to get Medicare in Florida

Florida is a great place to live, even better if you can access affordable healthcare. If you are a resident of Florida, this guide will help you get the correct information about Medicare in Florida so that you can enjoy your retirement years worry-free.

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How to get Medicare in Florida
John Ramsey

Key Takeaways

  • You have to apply for Medicare with Social Security.
  • Some insurance agents will help you from start to finish.
  • However, Medicare will only help you after SSA approves your application.

Table of Content


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.

How to get Medicare in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the income limit for Medicare in Florida?

There is no such thing as a minimal or maximum income requirement to enroll in Medicare in Florida. Individuals with low earnings may be eligible for Extra Help or Florida Medicaid, which helps to reduce medical bills and expenses.

2. Is Medicare free in Florida?

No, Medicare is not free. You have to pay for Medicare Part A and B. Most people don't pay for Medicare Part A because they or a spouse has worked and paid into the system through payroll deductions. However, you must pay for the Medicare Part B premium if you want it.

Many people can get assistance through the Medicare Savings Program to help with the Part B premium.

3. At what age do I qualify for Medicare in Florida?

If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for Medicare in Florida. You can also qualify for Medicare if

•You receive Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months;

•Your kidney disease requires a transplant or regular dialysis treatments;

•You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease);

•You qualify for Medicare because you have the end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Contact the Social Security Administration office to see if you are eligible.

4. What is needed to qualify for Medicare?

If you are 65 years old or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has been in the United States for at least five years, have worked ten years, and paid Medicare taxes, you qualify for Medicare. You may also be eligible under 65 but disabled or have certain medical conditions.

5. At what age do I qualify for Medicare in Florida?

If you are 65 years old or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident has been in the United States for at least five years. To avoid starting Medicare late, contact Social Security and make an appointment for your Medicare interview at least two months before you turn 65.

6. Does everyone automatically get Medicare at 65?

No, not everyone is automatically enrolled at 65. If you are under 65 and not working or receiving Social Security benefits, contact the Social Security office to determine if you qualify for Medicare.

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