Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad in Florida

Written by: 
Mark Prip
Last updated: 
Nov 11, 2025

As a licensed Medicare agent with more than 15 years of experience helping retirees across Florida navigate their Medicare options.

Over that time, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly this market can change - and how those changes affect the people who depend on it most.

My goal here is simple: to give you a clear, honest look at what’s really happening with Medicare Advantage (Part C) in Florida and how to protect yourself from surprises down the road.

If you’re turning 65 or newly eligible for Medicare in Florida, you’ve probably already been flooded with ads promising “$0 premiums,” “extra benefits,” and “all-in-one coverage.”

It sounds great on paper - until you realize how much the fine print has changed in recent years.

Between 2024 and 2026, the Medicare Advantage market has gone through major turbulence. Big insurers are scaling back, benefits are shrinking, and provider networks are tightening.

Many hospitals and doctors - including several large Florida systems - are cutting ties with MA carriers over low reimbursements and constant prior authorization battles.

That’s why I want to be upfront: while Medicare Advantage plans may still look appealing on the surface, they’ve become much less dependable, especially here in Florida.

If you want stability, freedom to choose your doctors, and predictable long-term costs, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan - such as Plan G or Plan N - is usually the smarter, safer path.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down step-by-step:

  1. What’s changed in the Medicare Advantage market over the past few years.
  2. The key risks every Florida retiree should understand before enrolling.
  3. How these issues are impacting Floridians directly - from network losses to rising costs.
  4. A comparison to Medigap options (Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G).
  5. Actionable next steps to help you choose the coverage that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of why so many Floridians - especially those who’ve been burned by Medicare Advantage changes - are moving toward Medigap for its freedom, consistency, and control.

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The Changing Landscape of Medicare Advantage in Florida (and the U.S)

These companies aren’t just leaving counties; they’re cutting back on what’s inside the plans that remain.

Across the industry, we’re seeing:

  • Higher copays and coinsurance for routine and specialist visits.
  • Lower dental and vision allowances.
  • Fewer over-the-counter benefits.
  • And fewer PPOs - replaced by tighter HMOs that lock you into local networks.

For Florida retirees who value flexibility - especially snowbirds or anyone who travels out of state - that’s a big shift.

The broad “go-anywhere PPO” plans are disappearing, replaced by narrower options with more restrictions and prior-authorization hurdles.

Provider Network Tensions and Hospital System Exits

Behind the scenes, more hospitals and doctor groups are saying enough is enough.

Across the U.S., at least 41 hospital systems have dropped out of 62 Medicare Advantage contracts across 25 states since mid-2023 (KFF Health News).

Their reasons are consistent:

  • Low reimbursement from MA carriers.
  • High prior-authorization burdens that delay care.
  • Late payments and administrative red tape.

While not all of those contract breaks have reached Florida yet, these national warning signs matter - especially for a state with dense retiree populations and major hospital networks like AdventHealth, HCA, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Baptist Health.

When national systems walk away from MA contracts elsewhere, it often signals similar friction coming here next.

Why Florida Is Especially Exposed

Florida has one of the highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in the country - more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries here choose an MA plan.

Combine that with heavy competition among insurers, older demographics, and highly seasonal populations, and you get a perfect storm for volatility.

Each Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP) brings major plan turnover, new benefit designs, and aggressive marketing.

Coastal markets - from Tampa Bay to Fort Lauderdale to Naples - see some of the biggest swings in the nation.

That means Floridians are more likely to face:

  • Plan terminations or consolidations,
  • Network disruptions if local providers exit, and
  • Benefit changes that rewrite coverage midyear.

So when a carrier says “same plan, new benefits,” it might actually mean “smaller network, higher cost-sharing.” For Florida’s retirees who expect long-term stability, that’s a growing problem.

What to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond

Carriers are already signaling more cutbacks for 2026.

Expect:

  • More PPO eliminations and a heavier shift to HMO models.
  • Stricter prior authorizations and utilization controls.
  • Higher out-of-pocket maximums and fewer extra benefits.

The bottom line? The plan you sign up for today may look completely different within two or three years.

That’s why many Floridians are starting to reconsider - asking whether a Medigap plan like Plan G or Plan N might provide the consistency and freedom that Medicare Advantage is struggling to deliver.

Key Downside Risks of Medicare Advantage in Florida

Let’s be honest - Medicare Advantage plans can look great at first glance. You see the $0 premiums, the bundled extras, and all those TV ads promising “everything in one plan.”

But once you start using the coverage, a different picture starts to form.

Here’s what’s really happening right now, especially for people here in Florida.

Prior Authorizations and Utilization Management

First, let’s talk about prior authorizations - something most folks don’t realize until they run into it.

That’s when your insurance company has to “approve” something before you can actually get it - an MRI, a hospital stay, a surgery, even certain specialist visits.

Traditional Medicare rarely does this, but Medicare Advantage uses it constantly. It’s how they try to control costs - and it often slows everything down.

One national study found hospitals faced a 22% denial rate for prior authorization requests under Medicare Advantage, compared to just 1% under Original Medicare.

That’s a massive difference.

And the risk isn’t just paperwork - it’s real people waiting longer to get care. Doctors get frustrated, patients get anxious, and sometimes people just give up before they’re approved.

Here in Florida, where we have one of the largest senior populations in the country, those delays hit even harder.

So many Floridians rely on specialists - cardiologists, orthopedists, oncologists - exactly the types of care that trigger prior authorizations. A simple delay here can turn into a serious health setback.

Network Changes and Provider Departures

Most people who sign up for Medicare Advantage assume their doctors and hospitals will stay in the plan forever.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Here’s the quick rundown:

  • HMOs: You’re locked into a local network and usually need referrals to see specialists.
  • PPOs: You get a little more flexibility, but still at a higher cost.
  • Original Medicare + Medigap: You can go anywhere that accepts Medicare - no network limits, no referrals.

The issue now is that more insurers are dropping PPO plans and tightening networks. Over the past two years, at least 24 hospital systems nationwide have walked away from Medicare Advantage contracts.

In Florida, that can mean your cardiologist in Orlando or your hospital in Tampa might suddenly be “out of network” next year.

If that happens, you may have to find new doctors or pay full out-of-pocket. And for retirees in smaller or coastal counties, where there aren’t as many options, that’s an even bigger problem.

Claims and Reimbursement Issues

This one’s a bit behind the scenes, but it affects you directly.

Doctors and hospitals across the U.S. say Medicare Advantage carriers are slow to pay, underpay, or bury them in red tape. That means your doctor has to fight through piles of paperwork to get paid for your care.

When providers get fed up, they start limiting how many MA patients they’ll take - or they drop the plan altogether.

And in Florida, with big systems like AdventHealth, HCA Florida, and Cleveland Clinic Florida, that’s a major concern.

If a big hospital system decides the math doesn’t work, tens of thousands of people can lose access to their doctors overnight.

Annual Benefit Changes and Plan Instability

Here’s a myth I hear all the time: “Once I pick my Medicare Advantage plan, I’m set.” Unfortunately, that’s not true.

MA plans can (and do) change benefits, networks, and costs every single year - sometimes even midyear.

You might start out with a $0 premium and a $2,000 dental allowance, then find out next year it only covers cleanings or the copays have doubled.

In 2025, several carriers - including Humana - have already announced benefit reductions and higher out-of-pocket costs.

Now compare that to Medigap: once you buy a Medigap plan, your benefits are locked in by federal law. They don’t change year to year. So what you buy today is what you’ll have 10 years from now.

For Florida retirees who value predictability, that’s a big difference.

Carriers Scaling Back on Medicare Advantage

Another big change we’re seeing across the country - and especially here in Florida - is that major insurance companies are scaling back their Medicare Advantage plans.

For years, these plans kept expanding. Every fall, there were new options, new extras, and lots of marketing around $0-premium coverage.

But that trend has reversed. Now carriers are tightening up, trimming plans, and in some cases, exiting certain counties altogether.

For example, Humana announced it expects to lose up to 500,000 Medicare Advantage members by the end of 2025, as it pulls back from unprofitable areas and reduces benefits. (Becker’s Payer Review)

And UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage insurer, plans to exit 109 U.S. counties in 2026, affecting around 600,000 members. (HealthLeaders Media)

That’s nearly a million people who will need to switch plans in the next year or two.

Florida will feel this more than most because our Medicare population is so large - and many carriers test or adjust their strategies here first.

If you’re on a plan that’s being discontinued, you’ll get a notice and have to choose a new plan during a limited window. Even if your plan stays, you might notice smaller benefits, higher copays, or a tighter network next year.

These changes don’t mean Medicare Advantage is going away, but they do mean it’s less predictable than it used to be.

If you’re new to Medicare or re-evaluating your coverage, this is exactly why it’s worth comparing your options carefully - including Medigap plans like Plan G or Plan N, which stay stable year after year.

The Shift from PPO to HMO: Less Freedom, More Restrictions

There was a time when Medicare Advantage meant freedom - especially with PPOs that let you see out-of-network doctors. Those days are fading.

As carriers try to cut costs, they’re dropping PPOs and replacing them with HMOs. That means you have to choose a primary care doctor, get referrals, and stay inside a smaller local network.

If you travel, or if you’re a snowbird who splits time between Florida and another state, that can be a real headache. A plan that works fine in Naples might not cover you at all in North Carolina or Michigan.

What used to be marketed as “all-in-one convenience” now feels more like a maze of restrictions.

Additional Risks You Don’t Hear About

  • Falling Star Ratings: Many big insurers - including Humana - saw their MA star ratings drop in 2024, which can lead to less funding and fewer perks for members.
  • Network Gaps: Some Florida counties technically meet federal network requirements, but still don’t have enough specialists accepting new MA patients.
  • Complexity for seniors: Between changing networks, copays, and drug lists, it’s exhausting to keep track of what’s covered each year.

The Takeaway

Medicare Advantage plans aren’t “bad,” but they’re becoming more restrictive and unpredictable - especially in Florida, where carrier changes and provider exits happen fast.

For many retirees, the plan that looks great today could be a completely different experience next year.

If you’d rather not play the “re-enroll every fall” game or worry about losing your doctor midyear, consider a Medigap plan like Plan G or Plan N instead.

It may cost more each month, but you’ll gain something far more valuable - stability, freedom, and peace of mind.

Why These Changes Matter for Florida’s Medicare-Eligible Population

Let’s bring this closer to home.

Florida isn’t just another Medicare market - it’s one of the biggest and most competitive in the country.

With more than 4.8 million Medicare beneficiaries, and tens of thousands turning 65 every month, this state is ground zero for everything that’s changing in Medicare Advantage right now.

The average Florida retiree expects a few simple things: stability, choice, and access to their preferred doctors and hospitals. Unfortunately, those are the very areas where today’s Medicare Advantage plans are falling short.

A Massive, Fast-Growing Retiree Population

Every week, I talk to Floridians turning 65 who are trying to make sense of the options - from Orlando to Sarasota to Palm Beach.

Many are relocating here from other states, assuming Medicare works the same everywhere. But in Florida, things move faster and change more often.

We have one of the highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in the U.S., which means more plan turnover, more marketing, and more volatility. With so many retirees entering the system at once, insurers are constantly reshuffling their plan designs and networks to stay profitable.

The result? You might join a plan this year thinking you’ve found “the one,” only to realize in two or three years that the network, benefits, and costs look nothing like what you originally signed up for.

Locked In and Losing Flexibility

Here’s what catches many new retirees off guard: once you’ve been on a Medicare Advantage plan for more than a year, switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan isn’t always easy.

In most cases, after your initial enrollment window, you may have to go through medical underwriting to qualify for a Medigap policy. That means if your health changes - and let’s face it, most people go on Medicare because they need care - you might not be able to switch later without higher rates or a decline.

So if your MA plan drops your hospital, changes your drug coverage, or increases your out-of-pocket costs, you could be stuck. That’s why I always tell new clients: make your first Medicare choice carefully. It sets the tone for your future coverage options.

The Hidden Risk Behind Low Premiums

It’s easy to be tempted by a $0 premium plan - especially when it includes dental, vision, or a grocery card.

But in Florida’s high-churn market, that “free” plan often comes with hidden costs.

The real risk isn’t the monthly premium - it’s the instability that:

  • Networks can shrink midyear.
  • Hospitals can drop contracts with no warning.
  • Benefits that looked great this year can quietly disappear next year.

For Florida retirees, those changes are amplified by how dynamic the market is.

We have intense insurer competition in metro areas like Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, and thinner networks in rural and coastal regions. That means your neighbor in Naples might have a very different experience from someone in Ocala or Jacksonville, even with the same carrier.

Florida’s Unique Challenges: Mobility, Coastal Markets and Provider Dynamics

Florida’s healthcare landscape is unlike anywhere else. We have a mix of large, powerful hospital systems - like HCA, AdventHealth, and Cleveland Clinic Florida - and smaller community providers that struggle with MA reimbursement rules.

When those systems walk away from MA contracts, thousands of members feel it immediately.

Add to that our highly mobile retiree population - snowbirds who spend part of the year up north, or travel across counties for specialists - and the cracks get even wider.

Most MA plans don’t travel well. Once you leave your local service area, you’re often out of network.

So for many Florida retirees, a plan that looks “convenient” in January may become frustrating by the next winter.

The Bottom Line

The turbulence in the Medicare Advantage market isn’t just numbers on a report - it’s something Floridians are living every day.

If you’re new to Medicare or turning 65 soon, the safest move is to look beyond the flashy extras and think long-term.

Ask yourself:

  • “What happens if this plan changes next year?”
  • “If my doctor leaves, can I still get the care I need?”
  • “Will this plan fit my lifestyle if I travel or move around the state?”

For most people who value freedom, stability, and simplicity, a Medigap plan (like Plan G or Plan N) is still the coverage that holds steady - no networks, no surprises, and the same benefits every single year.

In a fast-changing market like Florida’s, that kind of predictability isn’t just a luxury - it’s peace of mind.

The Case for Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

When you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), that’s your foundation.

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice.

Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, labs, imaging, preventive services, and more.

But Original Medicare doesn’t pay for everything. You’re still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and that 20% of outpatient costs - and there’s no cap on out-of-pocket expenses.

That’s where a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan comes in.

A Medigap plan is designed to fill in the gaps that Medicare leaves behind - things like hospital deductibles, coinsurance, and even emergency medical coverage when you travel abroad.

And here’s what makes it different from Medicare Advantage:

  • It’s not managed care - there are no networks to worry about.
  • You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
  • You don’t need referrals for specialists.
  • The benefits are federally standardized - they don’t change from year to year or vary by insurance company.

For Floridians who split time between states, travel, or just want stability, Medigap is the kind of coverage you can count on for the long haul.

Agent’s note: Here in Florida, my top recommendation for Medigap coverage is Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida). They’re the state’s largest and most recognized carrier, and their provider acceptance is virtually universal.

When a doctor or hospital sees a Florida Blue Medigap card, there’s never a question about coverage.

Comparison: Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage - Pros and Cons

Let’s compare these two side by side - because they’re very different animals.

Medigap (Plan G / Plan N)

Pros:

  • Stable benefits year after year. Once you enroll, your coverage doesn’t change.
  • Freedom of choice. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare - no network restrictions, no referrals.
  • Predictability. After paying your small Part B deductible, most of your costs are covered.
  • Great for travelers. Perfect if you spend part of the year outside Florida or have family in other states.
  • Peace of mind. No surprises with coverage or benefits.

Cons:

  • Monthly premiums are higher than the lowest-cost Medicare Advantage options.
  • You still pay your Medicare Part B premium (and Part A if applicable).
  • You’ll need a separate Part D prescription drug plan, since Medigap doesn’t include drugs.

Medicare Advantage (MA)

Pros:

  • Often low or $0 monthly premiums beyond your Part B cost.
  • May include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or fitness perks.
  • Convenient “all-in-one” coverage combining Parts A, B, and usually D.

Cons:

  • Network restrictions. Especially with HMO plans - you must use in-network providers.
  • Prior authorizations and red tape before getting services approved.
  • Annual plan changes. Benefits, costs, and networks can change every year.
  • Provider exit risk. Doctors and hospitals can drop your plan midyear.
  • Travel limitations. If you leave your service area, you may be out of network.

For healthy retirees, MA plans can seem like a deal - but for those who need ongoing care or value choice, the hidden costs and uncertainty can add up quickly.

Why You Should Strongly Consider Plan G or Plan N in Florida

Florida’s Medicare Advantage market is one of the most volatile in the country. Carriers are constantly tweaking their plans - dropping networks, cutting benefits, and shifting from PPOs to HMOs.

That’s why I tell clients: if you can afford the premium and you value freedom and predictability, Medigap (especially Plan G or Plan N) is the smarter long-term choice.

Here's why:

  • Plan G covers everything Medicare approves except the small Part B deductible (about $257/year). After that, you’re 100% covered.
  • Plan N offers nearly identical coverage but with small copays ($20 for doctor visits, $50 for ER) - a great balance for those who want lower premiums.

If budget is tight, a Medicare Advantage plan can still work - but you need to go in with your eyes open. Understand the limitations, review your network carefully, and be ready to pivot if your plan changes next year.

Lowest-Cost Supplement Strategy

If you like the sound of Medigap but need to keep costs manageable, you still have good options:

  • High Deductible Plan G (HDG): Same benefits as Plan G, but you pay the first $2,870 in costs each year in exchange for a much lower monthly premium (often $50–$70/month in Florida).
  • Plan N: Slightly less coverage, lower premiums - ideal for healthy retirees who don’t visit the doctor frequently.

The key is to enroll when you’re first eligible - typically during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you can’t be turned down for health reasons.

Once that period closes, switching later could mean medical underwriting.

That’s why I always recommend getting quotes and comparing now - while you have guaranteed-issue rights and full access to the best rates.

If you’re in Florida and want to explore your options, I can help you:

  • Compare Florida Blue, Cigna, Humana, and other Medigap rates in your ZIP code.
  • Review Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G side by side.
  • Lock in your coverage while you’re still eligible for the most favorable terms.

Key Takeaways

If you can afford it, a Medigap plan is your most stable, long-term investment in peace of mind.

  • Plan G gives you full protection and simplicity.
  • Plan N gives you lower premiums with predictable copays.
  • High Deductible G gives you budget flexibility and still protects you from big bills.

And if you’re in Florida, Florida Blue is the gold-standard carrier for broad provider acceptance and long-term stability.

In a state where Medicare Advantage plans change constantly, Medigap is the one coverage that doesn’t move under your feet.

Practical Advice for the New-to-Medicare Florida Enrollee

Turning 65 and joining Medicare is exciting - but it can also feel like drinking from a firehose.

Every carrier is competing for your attention, and everyone’s promising “the best plan.” The truth is, the right plan depends on your health, your doctors, your travel habits, and your long-term goals.

Here’s how to approach Medicare the smart way - step by step - so you can make a confident decision and avoid the traps that catch so many Florida retirees off guard.

Step 1: Start Early and Meet with a Licensed Agent

As you approach 65, set up a conversation with a licensed Medicare agent who knows the Florida market inside and out.

We’ll go over:

  • Your county-specific options, since plan availability and pricing vary widely across Florida.
  • Your preferred doctors and hospitals - and whether they accept Medicare or participate in certain Medicare Advantage networks.
  • Your budget and expected care needs, so we can find the right balance of premium versus out-of-pocket risk.
  • Your travel patterns - whether you stay local or split time between states.

Starting early gives you time to compare calmly instead of rushing during your enrollment window.

Step 2: During Enrollment, Focus on the Right Details

Whether it’s your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), take time to dig into the specifics that really matter:

  • Premium vs. Benefits: Low premium doesn’t always mean low total cost.
  • Your Doctor Network: Confirm your physicians and hospitals participate in the plan.
  • Drug Coverage: Make sure your prescriptions are included (Part D or bundled).
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Look at copays, coinsurance, and the annual maximum.
  • Future Flexibility: Ask what happens if your health needs change or if you travel outside Florida.

In Florida, where markets change fast, it pays to look beyond the TV ads and focus on the fine print.

Step 3: Ask the Hard Questions About Medicare Advantage Plans

If you’re considering Medicare Advantage, don’t hesitate to ask pointed questions.

These can reveal a lot about how the plan actually works:

  • “Will my preferred hospital or doctor remain in-network next year?”
  • “How many prior authorizations will I need for specialist or surgical care?”
  • “If my doctor leaves the network, what are my options midyear?”
  • “Has this plan reduced benefits or increased cost-sharing recently?”

If the answers sound vague or overly optimistic, take that as a warning sign.

Step 4: If You’re Leaning Toward a Medigap Supplement (Plan G or N)

If freedom and stability matter most to you, Medigap is often the better fit - especially in a state like Florida where Medicare Advantage networks can shift frequently.

Here’s how to proceed:

  • Review which carriers are available in your county and compare premiums and household discounts.
  • Consider High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) if you want lower monthly premiums and can handle the deductible.
  • Remember, you’ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium, even with a supplement.
  • If possible, apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Window (your first six months on Part B) - this guarantees approval with no health questions.

Step 5: Make Your Decision - But Think Long-Term

Once you’ve chosen your path, keep an eye on it each year.

If you go with Medicare Advantage, be ready to review your plan annually during AEP. Check for benefit changes, network updates, and carrier notices.

If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll likely enjoy more stability - but it’s still smart to review once a year to ensure your carrier’s rates and service remain competitive.

The goal is to avoid surprises - and that only happens when you stay proactive.

Step 6: Have a Backup Plan

Even with careful planning, things can change. If you pick a Medicare Advantage plan and later regret it - maybe your doctor leaves, benefits are reduced, or care becomes too restricted - you still have switching opportunities during specific windows.

However, those windows can be limited, and underwriting may apply if you try to move into a Medigap plan later.

That’s why my advice to every new Floridian on Medicare is simple: start with the most stable foundation you can afford.

For many people, that means choosing Medigap Plan G or Plan N from a trusted carrier like Florida Blue. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it protects you from bigger headaches (and bigger bills) down the road.

Summary

Florida’s Medicare landscape is shifting fast - and not always in ways that benefit consumers.

Over the last few years, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have faced growing instability: hospitals leaving networks, doctors stepping away from contracts, benefits shrinking, and PPOs being replaced by more restrictive HMOs. That turbulence is expected to continue through 2026.

For anyone new to Medicare - especially here in Florida - this means one thing: the plan you sign up for today might look very different in just a few years.

If you value freedom of provider choice, long-term stability, and predictable coverage, a Medigap plan (Plan G or Plan N) is often the smarter, steadier path.

There are no networks, no referrals, no prior authorizations, and no surprises. If a provider accepts Medicare, they’ll accept your Medigap plan - in Florida or anywhere in the country.

Of course, not everyone can afford a higher supplement premium, and that’s okay. The key is to make an informed choice.

Know what you’re signing up for - and understand that the “$0 premium” Medicare Advantage plan often carries hidden trade-offs in access, flexibility, and stability.

If you’re leaning toward Medicare Advantage, go in prepared: review your plan every year and keep an eye on network or benefit changes.

If you prefer long-term reliability, Medigap - particularly Plan G or Plan N - offers peace of mind that doesn’t fluctuate with the market.

Next Steps

With the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) running October 15 through December 7, now’s the time to start exploring your options.

Policy Guide can help you:

  • Compare Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap options in your Florida county.
  • Check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are included.
  • Review premiums and benefits from trusted carriers like Florida Blue, Cigna, and Humana.
  • Understand how to lock in Medigap coverage while you’re still guaranteed eligible.

Our goal is simple: to give you clear, unbiased guidance so you can make a confident Medicare decision that fits your budget and lifestyle.

FAQs

The Medicare Advantage market is going through a reset. Big carriers like Humana and UnitedHealthcare are scaling back - reducing benefits, exiting counties, and tightening networks to manage rising healthcare costs. For Florida, where Medicare enrollment is high, those changes are especially noticeable. That’s why the plan you have today may look very different next year.

If your plan is discontinued, you’ll receive an official notice of non-renewal in the mail. You’ll have a special enrollment window to choose a new plan or switch back to Original Medicare (and possibly apply for a Medigap plan). It’s important to review your options right away - especially if you want to keep seeing your same doctors.

The biggest advantage is stability. Medigap plans don’t change benefits from year to year, and there are no networks - if a provider accepts Medicare, they accept your Medigap plan. That means you can see doctors anywhere in Florida or across the U.S., without worrying about referrals or network restrictions.

Medigap plans focus on medical coverage - covering deductibles, coinsurance, and hospital costs. They don’t typically include dental, vision, or fitness extras. However, many Florida retirees pair their Medigap policy with standalone dental or vision plans, which often offer better coverage than what MA plans include anyway.

Mark Prip - Medicare Insurance Agent in Pensacola Florida
Mark Prip
Senior Editor
Floridainsuranceguide.com

With over 20 years of experience, Mark Prip is a dedicated licensed Medicare insurance agent in Florida. His expertise lies in simplifying the Medicare coverage process by providing comprehensive education to beneficiaries.

Read Full Bio
Mark Prip - Medicare Insurance Agent in Pensacola Florida
Mark Prip
Senior Editor
Floridainsuranceguide.com

Florida

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