Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida

Ever since 1997, when beneficiaries were given the option to use private insurers to cover their health insurance, Medicare + Choice plans (or Medicare Part C) has been a popular option, particularly in the state of Florida.

Why so popular in Florida? Well it’s no secret that Florida has long been a place where people of retirement age choose to spend their days, and for good reason too. The amount of facilities on offer and the perfect climate all year round means that you really can make the most of your time in the sunshine state.

Since it was agreed that these plans could also encompass Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan), Medicare Part C has been known as the Medicare Advantage plan. All you need to apply is eligibility for Medicare Parts A and B. These plans really took off after this, as they offer a comprehensive solution to all aspects of Medicare and are tailored to suit your personal needs.

What are the Florida Advantage benefits?

With a Florida Advantage plan, vision and dental can be covered, as well as gym membership, health club access, prescription drugs, in addition to the usual benefits that you get with Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) Insurance.

Medicare Advantage needs to offer more than original Medicare policies as a requirement by law. This said, it can offer different benefits in different ways. It may have more comprehensive cover for one benefit, and compromise on another as per the policyholder’s requirements. The government subsidizes Advantage plan, using some of this money to provide extra benefits. Some plans limit out-of-pocket Medicare costs, such as capping off the spending limit on hospital care for instance.

Why are Advantage Plans in Florida so Popular?

The reason that these Florida advantage plans are such good value is that many of the people who migrate there later in life have built up a comfortable income upon which to retire, often downscaling their houses once their kids are set up on their own; buying affordable condos and using their sudden windfall to preserve their health and happiness.

Since 2005, Medicare Advantage enrollment has almost doubled to over 10 million enrollees. In Florida, the Medicare Advantage industry is big business, and this means that services and options are much better in the area. These alone can be a big draw and another incentive to set up home in the Sunshine State.