I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Florida and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Florida for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Florida Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Florida
Whether you live in a major Florida metro or a small town, we work with Florida residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Florida's major regions include: Tampa Bay, South Florida, Central Florida, Northeast Florida, Southwest Florida, Panhandle.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Florida. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Florida's Medicare market: what you need to know
Florida is the largest Medicare Advantage market in the country. Many South Florida counties have 60+ Medicare Advantage plans available. Premiums tend to run higher than the national average, especially in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Snowbird and travel note: Florida is the top snowbird destination. If you split time between Florida and another state, plan selection gets tricky. Original Medicare with Medigap usually works best for snowbirds. See our snowbird guide.
Florida's Department of Elder Affairs runs SHINE, which offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling at over 400 locations statewide. The state also has higher-than-average IRMAA appeal acceptance rates due to its retiree population.
Top Medicare carriers in Florida
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Florida
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
- Aetna
- Devoted Health
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Florida
- Florida Blue (BCBS)
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Florida (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
Florida Medigap rules
Florida does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in Florida?
Medicare costs in Florida for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Florida residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $165-220/month for Plan G in Florida
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Florida resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for Florida residents
- SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) (SHIP): 1-800-963-5337 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Florida Medicaid: 1-866-762-2237 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Florida: elderaffairs.org
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Florida zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your Florida situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Florida residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Florida zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for Florida Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Florida clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Florida: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Florida: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for Florida residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Florida residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
Florida Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Florida?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Florida residents pay an average of $165-220/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Florida are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Florida typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Florida?
Florida has 60+ plans per county in metro areas in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 53% of Florida Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Florida?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Florida are Humana, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Florida Blue (BCBS), Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Florida?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Florida?
Florida residents can call SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at 1-800-963-5337 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-866-762-2237. Visit elderaffairs.org for more state aging resources.
