Moving to Florida and dealing with Medicare can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Especially if you’re new to the whole Medicare game or just bought a condo in Sarasota like a client of mine did last Tuesday. One of the biggest reliefs I tell folks about is that Medicare Supplement plans don’t have networks. That's right. No networks. And that freedom? It’s priceless.
Why Networks in Medicare Advantage Plans Can Feel Like a Trap
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Medicare Advantage plans. These plans often come with networks. You have to see doctors, hospitals, and specialists within a certain list or pay more out of pocket. Sometimes, the network shrinks without much warning. And for people who move to Florida from other states, this can be a nightmare.
Take a client of mine who moved from Ohio to Miami last year. She had a Medicare Advantage plan with a network that didn’t include many doctors in her new neighborhood. She ended up scrambling to switch plans during a limited enrollment window. The confusion, the phone calls, the lost time—it was exhausting.
Now imagine that not being an issue at all. That’s what you get with Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans.
Medicare Supplement No Networks: What Does That Mean?
Medicare Supplement no networks means you’re not tied to a list of doctors or hospitals. If the doctor accepts Medicare, you’re good. Period.
This is the core reason why many retirees moving to Florida choose Medigap plans. With Medigap, you get freedom. Freedom to see your own doctors. Freedom to travel and still get the same coverage. Freedom from worrying about network changes or needing referrals. That’s what I call Medigap plans Florida freedom.
And here’s the thing—Medicare Supplement plans are standardized. Plan G, Plan N, Plan F (for those who qualified before 2020)—they all offer the same core benefits no matter where you live. The real difference is what you pay in premiums and how much you’re willing to cover out of pocket.
Supplement vs Advantage Networks: The Real-World Differences
People often ask me, “What’s better, Supplement or Advantage?” The answer is not as simple as it sounds. But if you're moving to Florida and want stability and predictability, Medigap usually wins.
Medicare Advantage plans might have lower premiums—sometimes as low as $0 per month. But then you get networks, prior authorizations, and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs when you step outside those networks. Also, Medicare Advantage plans often have yearly changes in coverage or costs that can surprise you.
On the other hand, Medigap plans tend to have higher monthly premiums—around $174.80 for a Plan G in Sarasota, for example—but they cover gaps in Medicare Parts A and B and don’t restrict your choice of providers. You get a consistent, predictable bill and a predictable set of benefits.
Look, if you’re the type who travels a lot or wants to keep your current doctor, you’ll appreciate not having to worry about networks. That’s the real beauty of supplement plans: freedom.
Special Enrollment Periods and Florida Relocation
Now, here’s a wrinkle. Moving to Florida can trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Part D drug plans, but it doesn’t affect Medigap the same way.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and you move to a new county or state, you often get a 2-month SEP to switch plans. That’s a narrow window. Miss it, and you could be stuck with a plan that doesn’t serve you well.
Medigap plans don’t have SEPs tied to moving. Instead, your best bet is to enroll when you first become eligible for Medicare Part B or during a guaranteed issue period. Otherwise, you might face medical underwriting, which can mean higher premiums or denial of coverage.
One thing I see often is folks ignoring this timing and then regretting it. So if you’re relocating to Florida and want a Medigap plan, start the process early. Do not wait until after you move.
Avoiding Medicare Penalties: Timing is Everything
The truth is, missing your Medicare Part B or Part D enrollment window can cost you. Late enrollment penalties add 10% to your premium for each full 12-month period you delayed signing up. That might not sound like a lot at first, but over time it adds up.
And when it comes to Medigap plans, waiting too long means you might not get the coverage you want without underwriting. That can be frustrating. You might end up paying more or having coverage denied altogether.
One of my clients almost made that mistake last year. She delayed enrolling in Part B because she thought her employer coverage was enough after moving to Florida. When she finally signed up, the penalties added up to an extra $50 a month. That’s $600 a year she didn’t have to spend.
Plan Comparison Strategies for Florida Residents
Here’s how I help my clients compare plans when they’re moving to Florida:
- First, look at whether you want the freedom to see any Medicare provider or are okay with networks. Next, compare premiums side by side. Medigap Plan G in Sarasota runs about $174.80 monthly on average, but that can vary. Check out out-of-pocket costs. Medigap plans cover deductibles and coinsurance Medicare doesn’t. Advantage plans might have copays that add up. Think about your prescription needs. Part D plans can be separate or bundled in Advantage plans. Double-check if your doctors accept Medicare and if they’re in the Advantage plan network, if that’s your choice. And always review the specific plan documents. Don’t rely just on summaries.
I like to run this process with my clients a few times. Medicare rules and plan details can change year to year, especially in Florida’s competitive market.
Enrollment Documentation: What You Need When You Move
Don’t underestimate the paperwork! When you move to Florida and want to enroll or switch Medicare plans, you’ll need:
- Proof of your Florida residence (utility bill, lease, etc.) Your Medicare card Any current insurance cards or documents Social Security number or Medicare number Bank info, if you want automatic premium payments
And if you’re enrolling in a Medigap plan outside of your initial enrollment window, be ready for health questions. That’s why timing matters so much.
Coverage Gap Prevention: How Medigap Helps
Medicare has coverage gaps. For example, after you meet your Part A deductible of $1,600 in 2024, Medicare covers hospital stays. But before that, you pay out of pocket. Same with Part B coinsurance—20% of doctor bills is your responsibility.
Medigap fills those gaps. Plan G covers almost everything except the Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2024. Plan N covers less but has lower premiums.
The truth is, these gaps add up fast if you have a major hospital stay or frequent doctor visits. A client of mine in Tampa had a surgery that left her with a $4,000 hospital bill after Medicare. Her Medigap plan took care of that. Without it, she’d have been on the hook.
Network-Free Medicare Options Are a Blessing for Florida Retirees
Florida is a popular retirement destination. But Medicare Advantage networks can be confusing, confusing, and sometimes downright limiting. Medigap keeps things simple.
Network-free Medicare options mean you don’t have to worry about where you get care, just that your providers accept Medicare. That’s freedom, peace of mind, and fewer headaches.
If you’re relocating to Florida, make sure you understand your options. And if you want help navigating the paperwork, deadlines, and plan comparisons, I’m here. I’ve walked hundreds of seniors through this maze, and trust me—it’s worth getting right the first time.
FAQ
Q: Can I keep my Medicare Supplement plan if I move to Florida?
A: Yes, you can keep your Medigap plan when you move to Florida. However, some insurers may adjust your premium based on your new location. Also, if you move outside your current coverage area, you might want to shop around to compare rates.
Q: Does Medicare Supplement cover prescription drugs?
A: No, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for medications.
Q: What happens if I miss my Special Enrollment Period after moving to Florida?
A: If you miss your SEP to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, you may have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) to make changes. This could leave you with inadequate coverage or higher costs temporarily.
Q: Can I enroll in a Medigap plan anytime after moving?
A: Technically yes, but after your initial enrollment period, insurers can use medical underwriting to approve or deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.
Q: Are Medicare Advantage plans cheaper than Medigap plans?
A: Often, yes, Medicare Advantage plans have lower monthly premiums, sometimes as low as $0. But they come with network restrictions and potential higher out-of-pocket costs. Medigap plans have higher premiums but predictable coverage and no networks.
Q: How do I know if my doctor accepts Medicare?
A: You can check the Medicare.gov Physician Compare tool or call your doctor’s office directly. Most doctors in Florida accept Medicare, but it’s best to confirm, especially if considering an Advantage plan.
Q: What is the Part B deductible for 2024?
A: The Medicare Part B deductible for 2024 is $226. Most Medigap plans, like Plan G, cover this deductible.
Q: Can I have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan?
A: No, you cannot have both at the same time. Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare (Part A and B). Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare.
Q: How do premiums for Medigap plans vary in Florida?
A: Premiums vary by insurer, plan type, age, and location. For example, Plan G in Sarasota averages around $174.80, but in Miami it might be higher or lower. Always compare quotes from several companies.
Q: What documentation do I need to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan after moving?
A: You'll typically need your Medicare card, proof of Florida residence, and potentially health information if outside your initial enrollment period. Some insurers may require additional forms.
Final Thoughts
Medicare Supplement no networks are more than just a nice-to-have if you’re moving to Florida. They’re a sanity saver. When you’re settling into your new home in Sarasota or anywhere else in the Sunshine State, the last thing you want is to stress over whether your doctor is in network or if your Additional hints plan will cover that unexpected hospital stay.
Medigap plans give you that freedom. Freedom to live your retirement on your terms. And that kind of peace of mind? Well, it’s worth every penny of the premium.