MEDICARE GUIDANCE

Medicare, Made Easier.

Understanding Medicare doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Florida Elite Brokers helps you understand your coverage options, compare Medicare Advantage plans, and make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage.

✓ Medicare Advantage ✓ Prescription Drug Coverage ✓ Local Medicare Guidance
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

More coverage. One plan.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is another way to receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.

✓
Part A + Part B Medicare hospital and medical benefits
✓
Prescription Coverage Most plans include Medicare Part D
✓
Additional Benefits Many plans offer benefits beyond Original Medicare

Benefits, costs, networks and plan availability vary by plan and service area.

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE

The Parts of Medicare

Medicare is divided into different parts. Each one covers different types of healthcare services.

A
HOSPITAL INSURANCE

Medicare Part A

Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and certain home healthcare.

Original Medicare
B
MEDICAL INSURANCE

Medicare Part B

Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient services, durable medical equipment and many preventive services.

Original Medicare
D
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Medicare Part D

Helps cover prescription medications and may be included with many Medicare Advantage plans.

Drug Coverage
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE • PART C

More Than Just Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans provide your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and many plans may offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.

Explore Medicare Advantage Options →
PLAN BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE
+

Medical Coverage

Your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.

Rx

Prescription Drugs

Most plans include Part D drug coverage.

D

Dental

Some plans may include routine dental benefits.

V

Vision

Routine vision benefits may be available.

H

Hearing

Certain plans may include hearing benefits.

♥

Extra Benefits

Additional supplemental benefits may be available.

Benefits vary by plan and may include limitations, eligibility requirements and provider network requirements.

CHOOSING A PLAN

A Medicare Plan Is About More Than the Premium

Your doctors, prescriptions, benefits and healthcare costs can all affect which plan works for your situation.

01

Your Doctors

Medicare Advantage plans may use provider networks. It's important to check whether your doctors and healthcare facilities participate.

02

Your Prescriptions

Drug formularies, pharmacy networks and prescription costs can differ between plans.

03

Your Benefits

Benefit amounts and coverage rules can vary significantly from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

04

Your Costs

Consider premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and the plan's annual maximum out-of-pocket limit.

YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Both are ways to receive Medicare coverage, but they work differently.

OPTION 1

Original Medicare

Medicare coverage administered through the federal Medicare program.

✓ Includes Part A and Part B
✓ Separate Part D coverage can be added
✓ Generally use any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
✓ Eligible beneficiaries may purchase Medigap separately
OPTION 2

Medicare Advantage

Medicare coverage administered through a Medicare-approved private insurance plan.

✓ Includes Part A and Part B benefits
✓ Most plans include Part D
✓ May include additional benefits
✓ Annual limit on covered Part A and B out-of-pocket costs
✓ Provider networks or plan rules may apply
WHEN CAN I ENROLL?

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Medicare has specific times when you can enroll in or make changes to Medicare coverage.

IEP
NEW TO MEDICARE

Initial Enrollment Period

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you generally have an Initial Enrollment Period to enroll and choose how you receive your coverage.

AEP
OCTOBER 15 – DECEMBER 7

Medicare Open Enrollment

During this annual period, people with Medicare can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage according to Medicare's enrollment rules.

OEP
JANUARY 1 – MARCH 31

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

If you're already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, this period generally allows one change to another Medicare Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare.

SEP
QUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES

Special Enrollment Period

Certain circumstances, such as moving or losing qualifying coverage, may provide an opportunity to make Medicare coverage changes outside the normal enrollment periods.

MEDICARE FAQ

Common Medicare Questions

Medicare can come with a lot of questions. Click a question below to learn more.

What is Medicare Advantage? +

Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and many plans may offer additional benefits.

Do I still have Medicare if I choose Medicare Advantage? +

Yes. You still have Medicare when you enroll in Medicare Advantage. The Medicare Advantage plan becomes the primary way you receive most of your Part A and Part B covered services.

Do I still pay my Medicare Part B premium? +

Generally, yes. You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Medicare Advantage and must continue paying your Part B premium to remain enrolled.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay part of the Part B premium. Availability varies by plan and area.

Do Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drugs? +

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. However, drug formularies, preferred pharmacies and prescription costs can vary between plans.

Can I keep my current doctors? +

It depends on the plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, so you should verify that your doctors, hospitals and specialists participate before enrolling.

What is the difference between an HMO and PPO? +

HMO Medicare Advantage plans generally require members to use the plan's provider network for non-emergency covered care, subject to the plan's rules.

PPO plans generally offer more flexibility to receive covered services outside the network, but out-of-network care may cost more. Exact rules vary by plan.

Can a Medicare Advantage plan have a $0 monthly premium? +

Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 additional monthly plan premium. That doesn't mean healthcare is free.

Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other costs may still apply, and beneficiaries generally continue paying their Medicare Part B premium.

What extra benefits can Medicare Advantage include? +

Depending on the plan, additional benefits may include certain dental, vision, hearing, fitness or other supplemental benefits.

Benefits, eligibility, frequency, allowances and limitations vary by plan.

When can I change my Medicare Advantage plan? +

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.

If you're already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. Special Enrollment Periods may also be available in certain circumstances.

Can I change plans if I move? +

Moving may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, depending on the circumstances. This may include moving outside your current plan's service area or moving to an area with different plan options.

Does Medicare Advantage have an out-of-pocket limit? +

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part A and Part B services. The specific limit varies by plan.

Once you reach your plan's applicable limit, you pay nothing for covered Part A and Part B services for the remainder of that calendar year according to the plan's rules.

How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me? +

Consider your doctors, prescriptions, preferred hospitals, pharmacy, anticipated healthcare needs, plan costs and additional benefits.

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare available options and explain how different plans work.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

We're Here to Help.

Speak with a licensed Florida Elite Brokers agent about your Medicare options.

Ask a Medicare Question →
FLORIDA ELITE BROKERS

Let's Find Medicare Coverage That Works for You.

Our licensed Medicare agents can help you understand your options and compare available Medicare Advantage plans based on your individual needs.

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Florida Elite Brokers is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This website provides general educational information and is not a complete description of plan benefits.

Plan availability, premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and additional benefits vary by plan and service area. Contact a licensed insurance agent or the applicable plan for complete plan details.