Key takeaways

  • More than 5 million Florida residents are enrolled in Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, or a Medigap plan.
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Florida provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, but often include additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Plan availability and healthcare networks can vary by county.
  • In addition to Original Medicare, Florida residents can purchase Medicare Part D for drug coverage and Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans to help cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance.

Medicare is a health program offered through the federal government to people 65 and older and people with certain disabilities. You can get coverage directly from the government or through a private insurance company.

If you’re shopping for Medicare coverage in Florida, you’ve got a lot to consider when selecting a plan. Learn the Medicare plans available in Florida, the eligibility requirements, and when to enroll.

Snapshot of Medicare in Florida

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Florida for the 2026 plan year:

  • 24.43% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • A total of 5,196,218 residents of Florida were enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $4.09 in 2025 to $2.11 in 2026
  • There are 611 Medicare Advantage plans available in Florida for 2026, compared with 592 plans in 2025.
  • All Florida residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • For 2026, there are 10 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans available in Florida, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Florida, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The Medicare plan that’s best for you depends on several factors that may vary depending on your preference or situation. Consider the following when selecting a plan:

  • Compare plan structures: If you’re choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, know that these plans come in various plan designs. Understanding how a plan works and how it might affect your care is essential. Do you prefer a primary care physician overseeing your care (HMO)? Or would you rather be able to see any specialist in a network without getting a referral (PPO)?
  • Consider costs: How much are premiums, copayments, deductibles, or other costs? If you qualify for coverage through an employer, how do those costs compare to your current group coverage options?
  • Check reviews: See what other consumers are saying about their plans. Does the claims process work smoothly? Is customer service friendly and efficient? Read reviews online or ask around if you know other people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Review the provider network: If you have a preferred physician, look for a plan that includes them in the Medicare Florida network. Some plans may have narrower coverage areas that aren’t geographically convenient. Find out before you enroll.
  • Shop for perks that suit you: Medicare Advantage plans usually include many extras, including discounts and programs that can help you stay healthy. Look for ones that fit your lifestyle and will be useful to you.

What should I do next?

If you’re ready to take the next steps to enroll in a Medicare plan in Florida, you may want to consider these actions:

  • Contact a Medicare Florida insurance agent who can help you understand your Medicare options and get quotes from different plans to help you compare.
  • Look up plan information online through local insurance carriers.
  • You can complete an online Medicare application through the Social Security Administration in as little as 10 minutes, and you don’t need to submit documentation right away.

To learn more about Medicare plans in Florida, check out these resources:

Over 5 million people in Florida are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans in Florida.

Overall, monthly premium costs for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in Florida have decreased, and they are still fairly low compared with most other states.