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Aetna Medicare Insurance in Florida
With all its sunshine and sandy beaches, everyone knows Florida is the go-to place for retirees. That’s probably why it’s the state with the second highest number of people receiving Medicare benefits with over 4 million people enrolled in Medicare as of 2018.
If you’re looking for more information about Medicare plans in Florida, you’ve come to the right place. Speak with a licensed agent today to learn more about your options in the Sunshine State.
Types of Medicare Plans in Florida
There are a variety of Medicare plans to choose from in Florida and all other states. You may elect to get federally funded health coverage through Original Medicare, or you can opt for a Medicare Advantage plan offered through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.
Your health coverage options may vary depending on where you live in the state, so speak with a licensed agent today to find out what kind of coverage you are eligible for.
Here’s a brief overview of the types of plans:
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plans
Original Medicare is a federally funded and administered health insurance program made especially for people 65 or older and for younger folks with certain health conditions. It’s available to every eligible Floridian. Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, and hospice care, while Part B covers outpatient doctor’s services and durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs, walkers, insulin pumps, or oxygen equipment.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and regulated by the federal government. By law, all Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, too, such as vision, dental, health and wellness programs, and gym memberships. Depending on your coverage area, they may also offer prescription drug (part D) coverage.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans
Medicare Part D is an optional health insurance plan you can purchase that helps cover the costs of prescription drugs and medications. Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy a Part D plan separately or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Am I Eligible for a Florida Medicare Advantage Plan?
In order to qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first have both Part A and Part B of Medicare (“Original” Medicare) and live in the plan’s service area. Typically, this means you need to be at least 65 years old, though some exceptions may apply.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility for Medicare or Aetna Medicare Advantage, give us a call. A friendly, licensed agent can help.
When Can I Enroll?
If you’re enrolling in Medicare for the first time and you qualify for both Part A and Part B of Medicare, you can enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birth month.
If you’re already on Medicare and want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during the Annual Enrollment Period, which starts October 15 and ends December 7 every year.
Under some circumstances, you may be able to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan during a Special Enrollment Period. For example, if you’ve recently moved or if you’re currently living in a nursing home. Talk to a licensed agent today to see if your life circumstance applies.
Other Medicare Resources in Florida
Medicare Savings programs in Florida
If you live in Florida and your income is below a certain limit, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings program, which can help pay for some of the costs associated with coverage, such as deductibles or copayments on prescription drugs. Some of these programs include:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Florida is known for its large senior citizen and retiree population. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs provides Sunshine State residents like you with health services and information (among other things) that may prove very helpful, whether or not you’re enrolled in Medicare. Some examples of these services include the following:
- Elder Helpline information and assistance service
- Health and Wellness program
- Community Care for the Elderly program
- Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
SHINE helps Florida seniors make smart decisions about their health care by organizing health-related events in communities throughout the Sunshine State. They also provide on-site counseling centers in all 67 of Florida’s counties. All these services are offered at no cost to you and are available to all Florida Medicare recipients.
