Medicare Advantage plans in Florida bundle your hospital and doctor coverage into one private plan. I’m Michele Sanchez, and I run Michele Sanchez Insurance Agency in Marco Island. Every fall, neighbors from Goodland, Key Marco and Isles of Capri ask me which plan fits them. This guide answers that before the Annual Enrollment Period opens on Oct. 15.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage plans in Florida are private plans that replace Original Medicare.
- Your county decides which plans you can join.
- Enrollment for 2027 runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
- I compare plans in Marco Island at no cost to you.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida?
Medicare Advantage plans in Florida are private health plans that replace Original Medicare. They’re also called Medicare Part C. Companies like Humana and UnitedHealthcare run them, and Medicare pays those companies to cover your care.
Plans generally cover what Original Medicare covers. Most add drug coverage, dental, vision and hearing. You still pay your Part B premium, and you get care through the plan’s provider network.
When I meet with clients at Michele Sanchez Insurance Agency in Marco Island, I explain Part C first. It’s the piece people mix up most. You can browse the Medicare Advantage plans I review on my plans page.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Does Florida Have?
Florida has many Medicare Advantage plans, and your county narrows what you can join. A plan sold in Miami doesn’t always reach Collier County. Before I compare anything, I check which plans serve Marco Island, Naples and the rest of Collier.
What Types of Medicare Advantage Plans Can You Choose in Marco Island?
You can choose an HMO, a PPO, an HMO-POS or a Special Needs Plan. Each type sets different rules for doctors and referrals.
| Plan Type | Doctors | Referrals | Fits People Who |
| HMO | In network | Required | Stay near home |
| PPO | In and out of network | Not required | Travel |
| HMO-POS | Mostly in network | Some required | Want a middle path |
| SNP | Set by the plan | Set by the plan | Qualify by health or income |
An HMO generally keeps you in the network and may have a lower monthly premium. A PPO lets you see out-of-network doctors, typically at a higher cost. Snowbirds on Marco Island ask me about PPOs because they split the year between states.
A Special Needs Plan serves three groups. A D-SNP fits people with Medicare and Medicaid. A C-SNP fits chronic conditions. An I-SNP fits people who live in a care facility.
How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida Cost?
A $0 premium plan can still have costs. You pay your Part B premium, plus copays and coinsurance. Every plan also sets a maximum out-of-pocket limit, or MOOP, that caps your yearly spending on covered care.
Compare the MOOP, not just the premium. A $0 premium with a high MOOP can cost you more than a small premium with a low MOOP. That may be true when you need regular care.
I walk through the MOOP line by line with every client. Then we price each copay for the visits you actually make.
When Can You Enroll in a Florida Medicare Advantage Plan?
You can enroll or switch from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes generally start on Jan. 1, 2027. Four windows matter:
- Initial Enrollment Period: the seven months around your 65th birthday.
- Annual Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, for anyone with Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, for people already in a plan.
- Special Enrollment Period: a move or a loss of coverage may open a new window.
Please mark Dec. 7 on your calendar. Call me at (239) 682-8567 to book a plan review at no cost to you. For a full breakdown of every enrollment window, see my post on Medicare enrollment periods and deadlines.
What Should You Do If Your Plan Ends for 2027?
Read your Annual Notice of Change first. Your insurer generally sends it by Sept. 30, and it lists every 2027 change to your premium, network, and drug list. If your plan ends, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to pick a new one.
Bring that notice to me. At Michele Sanchez Insurance Agency in Marco Island, I match each change against your doctors and drugs. Then I can show you replacement plans that serve Collier County.
How Do You Check Your Doctors and Hospitals Before You Enroll?
Look up each doctor in the plan’s online directory, then call the office to confirm. Directories can be out of date, so a phone call helps.
Next, check the hospitals you use, and confirm that each one is in the network. I also match your drug list against the plan’s formulary.
Bring three things to your review: your Medicare card, your doctor list and your medication list.
What Should You Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida?
The right plan covers your doctors and drugs at a price you can afford. I look at three criteria: CMS star ratings, the MOOP, and the network. I don’t recommend one plan for everyone.
Star ratings run from one to five. A higher rating generally reflects better quality scores from CMS. A high rating may not help you, though, if your cardiologist sits outside the network.
I apply those three filters to every Collier County client. Then you pick from the plans that pass.
How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Compare to Medigap?
Medigap works with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage replaces it. You can’t hold both at once. Medigap helps pay your Original Medicare costs and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage uses a provider network.
My Marco Island clients weigh both. Read about Medicare Supplement plans in Florida before you decide.
Timing matters here. If you drop Medicare Advantage later, a Medigap insurer in Florida may ask health questions. That’s why I review your options and timing with you first. You can also review my post on turning 65 in Naples for the full new-to-Medicare picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medicare Advantage Free in Florida?
Not entirely. Some plans charge a $0 premium, but you still pay your Part B premium. You may also pay copays and coinsurance up to the plan’s MOOP.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Florida?
Florida has many plans. Your county decides which ones you can join.
How Do I Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida?
Choose the plan that covers your doctors and drugs at a price that fits your budget. I compare star ratings, MOOP, and networks.
Do Advantage Plans in Florida Include Drug Coverage?
Most do. Check the plan’s formulary for your medications and their tiers. For more on drug coverage, see my guide on Medicare Part D prescription plans.
Can I Keep My Doctor With a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Generally yes, if your doctor is in the plan’s network. Check the directory and call the office first.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work for Snowbirds?
HMOs generally cover emergencies anywhere, but routine care is usually in network. A PPO may give you more flexibility out of state. Ask the plan about its travel benefit before you enroll.
Can I Switch Medicare Advantage Plans After Dec. 7?
Generally yes, one time. If you already have a plan, you can switch between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31. A move or lost coverage may also open a window.
Ready to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida?
Call me at (239) 682-8567, and I’ll go over your Medicare Advantage plan options in Florida with you at no cost to you. I’ll check your doctors, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket costs so you can understand what fits your needs.
Contact me today to get a clear picture of your options before Dec. 7.
Warmly,
Michele Sanchez
