Guide to Florida Medigap
This educational resource is provided by CHL Insurance Solutions, a local independent agency. This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, tax, financial advice, nor is it an offer of insurance or a sales solicitation.
What this means:
Everything here is factual and based on official sources ✅
I'm transparent about who I am (licensed agent, obviously) ✅
I'm directing you to official resources for decisions ✅
I'm not steering towards any specific carrier or plan ✅
The official channels for making choices:
Medicare.gov — The actual government source
1-800-MEDICARE — Free, unbiased counseling
State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) — Your state's free guidance
Your State Insurance Commissioner's Office — Insurance product questions
—
Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance in Florida
If you are a Florida resident newly eligible for Medicare, you may be considering how to manage potential out-of-pocket costs. While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many healthcare expenses, it does not cover everything. This is where Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, may play a role.
This guide provides an overview of how these private insurance policies work within the state of Florida.
What is Medigap?
Medigap is voluntary, private insurance designed to work alongside Original Medicare. It is important to note:
Medigap is NOT Medicare: It is a separate policy sold by private carriers.
Original Medicare is Required: You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy.
Distinct from Medicare Advantage: Medigap and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are different products. You cannot have both at the same time. While Medicare Advantage acts as an alternative to Original Medicare, Medigap supplements it.
Standardized Plans
Medigap plans are standardized by federal and state law. This means that a specific "plan letter" (such as Plan G) offers the same core benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it.
The plans currently available for new enrollees in Florida include:
Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N.
Note on Plans C and F: These are only available to individuals who were eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020. They are considered "legacy" plans for those newly eligible today.
While the benefits for a Plan G are identical across carriers, the premiums can vary significantly based on the insurance company, your age, gender, tobacco-use, and your location.
The 6-Month Open Enrollment Window
Timing is a critical factor when choosing a Medigap policy in Florida. Your one-time, 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a federal right that begins the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During your OEP:
No Medical Underwriting: Insurance companies cannot use your health history to deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium. Even if you have health problems, you can buy any policy a company sells for the same price as people in good health.
Guaranteed Issue: You have the right to buy any Medigap policy offered in Florida for which you are eligible.
Outside of your OEP:
Medical Underwriting Applies: In most cases, if you apply for a Medigap policy after your OEP has ended, carriers reserve the right to review your medical records (unless you qualify for a specific "Guaranteed Issue" right).
Possible Denial: Carriers can decline your application or charge higher rates based on your health status.
What Medigap Does and Does Not Cover
Medigap plans are designed specifically to cover "gaps" in Original Medicare, such as:
Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs.
Part B coinsurance or copayments.
Blood (first 3 pints).
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.
Medigap does NOT cover:
Long-term care (like non-skilled nursing home care).
Vision or dental care (unless offered via an optional, separate rider).
Hearing aids.
Private-duty nursing.
Prescription drugs (you will need a separate Medicare Part D plan for medication coverage).
How to Compare Options
Because benefits are standardized, the primary differences between carriers are price, customer service, and financial stability. Identify the Plan Letter that meets your coverage needs (e.g., Plan G for higher coverage, Plan N for lower premiums with some copays). Compare Premiums from different carriers for that specific letter.
Next Steps
Understanding your Medigap options takes time. To explore all available plans and carriers in Florida, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also contact your State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling on Medigap policies.
Resources
Medicare Plan Finder: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/
1-800-MEDICARE: Free official Medicare counseling
State Health Insurance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/
Medicare.gov Coverage Information: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/
—
Compliance Disclaimer
TPMO Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 55 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1‑800‑MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Note: Organization and Product counts are based on the Gainesville, FL area. Actual plans available may vary based on your zip code.
Non-Government Entity: CHL Insurance Solutions, LLC is a private, licensed insurance agency (FL Lic: L131407; GA Lic: 241106). We are not part of the federal Medicare program.
