Is Florida Blue Medicare or Medicaid?

Florida Blue only offers Medicare plans, not Medicaid.

‍It's important to distinguish these two as they cater to different population segments and are governed by different rules and regulations.

• ‍‍Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for individuals over 65 and certain individuals under 65 with disabilities.
• ‍Medicaid is a state and federal program designed to provide health coverage for low-income individuals of all ages and families.

Florida Blue is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, a private health insurance provider that offers Medicare policies, including Medicare Advantage plans.‍

What Is Florida Blue Medicare?

Florida Blue, a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is Florida's leading health insurance provider.

Florida Blue Medicare provides coverage for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering a variety of plans, including:

• Medicare Advantage plans
• Supplement plans (Medigap)
• Prescription drug plans (Part D)
• Private insurance plans

These plans suit different health needs and budgets and provide access to a vast network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals.

From preventative care to specialized treatments, Florida Blue Medicare aims to ensure its members receive the necessary care and services to maintain optimal health.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals with limited resources.

Florida residents must meet specific income guidelines to qualify for the program, which is funded by the federal government and the state of Florida. Many different Medicaid plans are available, including Medicaid Managed Care (offered through private insurers).

Medicaid can help by:

• Covering doctor visits and hospital stays
• Providing prescription drug coverage
• Offering long-term care services
• Assisting with certain medical equipment and supplies, such as wheelchairs or glucose monitors

Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

While both Medicare and Medicaid offer health coverage options, they cater to different populations.

Here are some key differences between the two:

• Eligibility: Medicare is available for individuals 65 years or older, those with certain disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicaid is only available for low-income earners, children and pregnant women, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals.
• Funding: Medicare is funded by the federal government and social security taxes, while Medicaid receives funding from state and federal governments.
• Coverage: While both programs offer coverage for healthcare services, Medicare is more focused on providing coverage for medically necessary services. Medicaid covers a broader range of services that cater to low-income individuals' specific needs.‍
• Costs: Medicare typically requires monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for services. In contrast, Medicaid generally has no monthly premiums but requires small co-payments for certain services.

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Florida Blue offers Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP) for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid programs. These plans combine the benefits of these two programs, providing comprehensive coverage at an affordable cost.

Dual enrollment can help:

• Cover medical expenses not covered by either program
• Coordinate care between different providers and services
• Reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs

How to Enroll in a Healthcare Plan

Enrolling in Florida Blue Medicare

Enrollment in Florida Blue Medicare plans is usually done during the Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

During this time, individuals can review, change, or enroll in a new Medicare plan.

However, if you're new to Medicare, you also have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65. The AEP and IEP are the best times to enroll if possible.

Visit Florida Blue's website to enroll or speak with one of our licensed agents.

Enrolling in Medicaid

Enrolling in Medicaid in Florida involves a different process. You'll need to apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) (or through the Social Security Administration if you're 65 or older or have a disability).

To apply online, visit the ACCESS Florida website and click 'Apply For Benefits'. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one already.

Once you have an account, you can fill out the online application. The form requires detailed income and financial information, so be prepared to provide it.

You can also apply by phone by calling the Florida DCF at 1-866-762-2237 or visit a local Community Partner Network location if you need in-person assistance. Be sure to bring proof of income, identity, and Florida residency.

Florida Blue Medicare Plans

Florida Blue offers a full range of Medicare plans designed to fit different health needs, budgets, and preferences. Whether you're looking for all-in-one convenience, the flexibility of Original Medicare with added protection, or standalone drug coverage, there’s likely a Florida Blue option that fits.

Their Medicare offerings fall into three main categories: Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans combine hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage into one plan - and most also include prescription drug coverage (Part D).

In addition to standard Medicare benefits, many of their Advantage plans come with:

• Routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage
• Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
• Gym memberships like SilverSneakers or equivalent
• Telehealth services and virtual care
• $0 monthly premium options in many Florida counties
• Case management and in-home support services for chronic conditions

Plans may be structured as HMOs or PPOs, so provider flexibility can vary. Florida Blue’s network is extensive, but enrollees should always confirm that their preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling.

These plans are ideal for people who want one simplified plan that covers most needs and provides a range of added benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

For individuals who prefer to stay with Original Medicare, Florida Blue offers several Medigap plans to help fill the coverage gaps - like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Popular options include:

• Plan G: Offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees - after you meet the annual Part B deductible, it covers the rest.
• Plan N: Slightly lower premiums in exchange for small copays at doctor’s offices and emergency rooms.
• High-Deductible Plan G: An option for people who want to keep premiums low but still protect themselves from large medical bills.

Florida Blue’s Medigap plans come with some unique advantages:

• Age-locked premiums (your rate stays the same as you get older)
• Discounts for automatic payments
• Access to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare - nationwide
• Extra perks like Blue365 discounts on wellness programs, hearing aids, and more

These plans work best for people who want complete provider flexibility, travel often, or simply prefer the predictability of traditional Medicare with strong financial protection.

Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Florida Blue also offers standalone Part D plans for those who don’t need or want a Medicare Advantage plan.

Features include:

• Tiered drug formularies for generic and brand-name medications
• Access to national and local pharmacies
• Mail-order drug options for added convenience
• Competitive premiums with low or no deductibles on some plans

These plans are a great fit for someone who has a Medigap plan or wants to build their own coverage combination with Original Medicare.

Key Features Across All Plans

No matter which type of plan you choose, Florida Blue emphasizes:

• A broad provider network with access to many of Florida’s top doctors and specialists
• Strong preventive care coverage and wellness incentives
• Reliable customer service with local support
• Tools and programs that help members manage chronic conditions or stay healthier longer

Florida Blue’s Medicare plans are built to offer comprehensive support, affordability, and flexibility. Their decades-long presence in the state and exclusive focus on Floridian needs make them a trusted option for many Medicare beneficiaries.

Florida Blue Medicare Plan Comparisons

If you’re comparing Florida Blue Medicare plans, you’ll likely be deciding between two primary paths: a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap).

Both can be excellent options, but they work very differently - and understanding the pros and cons of each is key to choosing the right coverage.

Here’s a look at how Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans compare in cost, network flexibility, and added benefits.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

These are all-in-one plans that combine Medicare Parts A and B (and usually Part D) under one policy managed by Florida Blue. You receive your Medicare benefits through Florida Blue, not the government.

Highlights:

• $0 to low monthly premiums in many areas
• Includes extras like dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits
• Must use network doctors and hospitals (HMO or PPO)
• Requires copays for most services (e.g., doctor visits, hospital stays)
• Annual out-of-pocket limit for medical costs
• Plans can change annually in cost, coverage, and network

Best for: People who want bundled benefits with lower monthly costs and are comfortable using a network of providers

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

These plans work alongside Original Medicare and are designed to fill the gaps - like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. You still use your red, white, and blue Medicare card, and Medicare pays first.

Highlights:

• Higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care
• Freedom to see any provider who accepts Medicare - no networks
• Nationwide coverage, perfect for snowbirds or frequent travelers
• Predictable costs and no surprises at the doctor
• Plans don’t change annually once you’re enrolled
• Must purchase a separate Part D drug plan for prescriptions

Best for: Individuals who want maximum provider freedom, travel often, and prefer stable, predictable healthcare costs over time

Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

• Choose a Medicare Advantage plan if you want a lower monthly premium, don’t mind using a provider network, and like the convenience of having drug and dental coverage bundled in.
• Choose a Medigap plan if you want access to any provider, travel frequently, or want to limit out-of-pocket surprises and avoid prior authorizations (delayed care).

Pros and Cons of Choosing Florida Blue

Florida Blue is one of the most established and widely recognized Medicare insurance providers in the state. They’ve earned a solid reputation over decades of service, and for many beneficiaries, they’re a top choice.

But no insurance company is perfect for everyone. If you’re considering a Florida Blue Medicare plan - whether it's Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D - it’s important to weigh both the benefits and the potential drawbacks.

Pros of Choosing Florida Blue

Long-Standing Presence in Florida
Florida Blue has been serving Floridians for over 50 years. Their deep understanding of the state's healthcare system, provider networks, and regulatory environment gives them an edge in designing plans that actually work well for residents.

Wide Selection of Plans
They offer a full suite of Medicare options - including Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D - which makes it easier to tailor a plan that fits your health and budget needs.

Strong Provider Network
Their Medicare Advantage plans have extensive provider networks across the state. If you're in a metro area like Tampa, Miami, Orlando, or Jacksonville, chances are good that your doctor is already in their network.

Age-Locked Premiums (for Medigap)
Florida Blue is one of the few carriers in Florida offering age-locked Medigap premiums. That means your premium won’t increase just because you age, which provides long-term rate stability - especially important for retirees.

Helpful Member Perks
With Florida Blue, you can get access to:

• The Blue365 discount program for fitness and wellness products
• SilverSneakers or comparable gym memberships
• 24/7 nurse hotlines and chronic condition support
• Local customer service from agents who live and work in Florida

Excellent Brand Recognition and Trust
As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Florida Blue is backed by one of the most trusted names in American healthcare. That means a track record of claims reliability, service continuity, and financial stability.

Cons of Choosing Florida Blue

Premiums May Be Higher in Some Areas
While Florida Blue is competitive in many counties, their Medicare Supplement premiums can be higher than some newer carriers - especially in areas with less competition or rural ZIP codes. It pays to compare.

Fewer Discounts for Couples or Households
Some other carriers offer robust household discounts on Medigap plans - Florida Blue tends to have fewer of these kinds of incentives.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a proven, Florida-based Medicare provider with a reputation for strong customer service, comprehensive plan options, and local accessibility, Florida Blue is one of the top names to consider.

Just make sure to compare plans side-by-side - especially if you're in a rural county or looking for the absolute lowest premium available.

Who Should Consider Florida Blue Medicare Plans?

Florida Blue offers a range of strong Medicare options, but choosing the right plan depends on your personal health needs, financial situation, and lifestyle.

Based on years of firsthand experience working with Medicare beneficiaries across Florida, we’ve seen where Florida Blue shines - and who it’s best suited for.

Ideal Candidates for Florida Blue Medicare Plans

You want a trusted, Florida-based company: Florida Blue has served this state for more than 50 years and has built a reputation on trust, service, and local expertise.

You live in or near a metro area with strong provider networks: Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage plans are especially competitive in areas like Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville. If your current doctors are already in-network, that’s a strong plus.

You value added benefits like dental, vision, or OTC allowances: Their Medicare Advantage plans often include extras that Original Medicare doesn’t cover -ideal if you’re looking for all-in-one convenience.

You want premium stability over time: Florida Blue’s Medigap plans offer age-locked premiums, meaning your rate doesn’t increase simply because you get older. That level of pricing stability can be a huge advantage over time.

You travel or live seasonally in other states: With a Florida Blue Medigap plan, you can see any provider in the country who accepts Medicare - perfect for snowbirds or anyone who travels regularly.

What We Recommend: Florida Blue Medigap Plans

While Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage plans offer solid value for many, our professional recommendation is often a Florida Blue Medigap plan - especially Plan G or Plan N - for beneficiaries who want strong, predictable coverage without the restrictions of a network.

Here’s why:

• See any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide
• No referrals or prior authorizations needed
• Predictable costs, minimal billing surprises
• Coverage that travels with you
• Premiums that don’t increase with age
• Better long-term value and peace of mind

If your goal is flexibility, provider freedom, and financial stability, Medigap is typically the better choice - and Florida Blue is one of the best options in the state.

Need Help Deciding?

We get it - Medicare can be complicated. That’s why our team at Policy Guide is here to help.

Call us today to speak with a licensed Medicare expert who can compare plans, check provider networks in your area, and make personalized recommendations based on your prescriptions, budget, and lifestyle.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ve helped thousands of Florida residents choose the right plan - and we’d be happy to do the same for you.