Medicare Health Plans - Gainesville, FL | CHL Insurance Solutions

Turning 65 or already on Medicare? I'll help you cut through the confusion and find a plan that actually fits your life — at no cost to you.

Choose CHL Insurance Solutions for:

Carrier Flexibility: I work with many of the top carriers so you can compare real options side by side — not just what one company offers.
Ongoing Plan Support: My help doesn't stop at enrollment. If you have plan questions, I'm just a call, email, or text away.
Multi-State Coverage: Licensed in both Florida and Georgia, I can help clients and families on both sides of the state line.

Understanding Your Options

Medicare Advantage (Part C): An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Parts A and B — and usually Part D prescription coverage — into a single plan. Many plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, often with low or $0 monthly premiums. Keep in mind that these plans use provider networks and coverage is not guaranteed issue after your initial enrollment window.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Works alongside Original Medicare to help cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Part A and B don't pay. You can see any doctor in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals. Note that Medigap plans do not include prescription drug, dental, vision, or hearing benefits.
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): If you choose Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, you'll also need a standalone Part D plan to cover your medications. Every plan has its own formulary — its list of covered drugs — and I can help you verify which plans cover your specific prescriptions at the best cost.

How to Choose: MA vs Medigap

Medicare Advantage (MA)

Often Low or $0 monthly premium
Provider network required
Usually includes dental, vision, hearing
Prescription drug coverage usually included
Out-of-pocket costs vary by plan

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Higher monthly premiums
Any Medicare provider nationwide
No dental, vision, or hearing
Requires a separate Part D (drug) plan
More predictable out-of-pocket costs

When Can I Enroll in Medicare?

Understanding your enrollment windows is one of the most important — and most missed — parts of Medicare planning. Here's a quick overview:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window that begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. This is the best time to enroll without penalty.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year. This is when anyone on Medicare can switch, drop, or add a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following year.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31 each year. If you're already on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this window.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Certain life events — like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help — may give you a Special Enrollment Period outside of the standard windows.

Missing your enrollment window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties. I can help you understand exactly when and how to enroll based on your specific situation.

When Should I Enroll if I Choose Medigap?

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period (OEP): When you first enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65, you have a 6-month window during which insurance companies cannot deny you a Medigap policy or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions. This is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Outside of Medigap OEP: You can apply at any time, but you may be subject to medical underwriting and could be denied coverage. There are situations where a Guaranteed Issue Right (GI right) may apply outside of OEP — for example, if you move to a new service area or lose your Medicare Advantage plan involuntarily. If you think you may qualify, I can help you determine your options.

What If I'm Still Working at 65?

Turning 65 doesn't always mean retiring — and if you're still working and covered by an employer group health plan, your Medicare decisions depend heavily on your specific situation. Here are the most common scenarios I help clients navigate:

Still working at a large employer (20 or more employees): Your employer group health plan is considered your primary coverage. In most cases, you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty — as long as you have active employer coverage. You will, however, want to sign up for Medicare Part A, which is generally premium-free, as it can act as secondary coverage alongside your employer plan.
Working at a small employer (fewer than 20 employees): The rules are different here. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes your primary insurance at 65 — even if your employer still offers group coverage. Delaying Part B enrollment in this situation could result in significant gaps in coverage and a permanent late enrollment penalty. Enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period is strongly recommended.
Covered under a spouse's employer plan: If you are covered under your spouse's active employer group health plan and their employer has 20 or more employees, you may also be able to delay Part B without penalty — similar to having your own employer coverage. When that coverage ends, your 8-month Special Enrollment Period applies.
Finally retiring after working past 65: If you delayed Medicare enrollment because you had active employer coverage, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that begins the month after your employment ends or your employer coverage ends — whichever comes first. This window applies whether you retire at 66, 68, or later. Do not wait for COBRA or retiree coverage to end before enrolling — those do not qualify as active employer coverage and the SEP clock starts regardless. Missing this window can result in a permanent Part B late enrollment penalty, so timing your Medicare enrollment around your retirement date is critical.

The Bottom Line:

The right Medicare strategy when you're still working depends on your employer's size, your coverage type, and your retirement timeline. Getting this wrong can result in permanent penalties or coverage gaps that are difficult to correct. I offer no-cost consultations to help you map out the right approach for your specific situation — ideally before you make a decision you can't easily undo.

Why an Independent Local Agent?

My goal is to make this process feel manageable — not overwhelming. I offer no-cost consultations to review your current coverage and help you explore your options so you can make a fully informed decision. Because I'm independent, I work for you — not for any single insurance company.

Get Started Today

By clicking the above link, you will be directed to my secure third party client intake form. Remember that while you are not required to share personal health information with me, it can help me to make an accurate plan recommendation based on your personal health needs.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. For Medicare-eligible individuals, please visit Medicare.gov for the official Buyer’s Guide.

Important for Medicare recipients: Original Medicare does not cover medical care received outside the United States. If you travel internationally, a Global Medical or travel health plan may be worth considering. I can help you explore your options. Learn more about Global Medical Insurance →

Google Sites

Report abuse