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Learn about Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance offered primarily to people age 65 and older and disabled individuals under the age of 65. There are two major types of Medicare: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.  Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. Many people with Original Medicare often purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy and/or a Medicare Part D Plan to help cover those additional costs.

  • Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance)
  • Medicare Advantage Plans replace Original Medicare (Parts A and B), and may add extra benefits
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies cover the portions that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) do not cover
  • Medicare Part D Plans cover prescription drugs

Are you approaching 65?
If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, review the information below and then visit our Approaching 65 page for more information.

Need more in-depth Medicare information?
If you still have questions about Medicare, visit our Medicare In-Depth page for more details.

Remember: Before you can purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy or Medicare Advantage Plan, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and be a Florida resident. 
Original Medicare

Part A
(Hospital Insurance)
Part B
(Medical Insurance)

Provides inpatient hospital coverage, skilled nursing care, hospice, and other services.

Free for most people, which means no monthly plan premiums.

Covers outpatient hospital, physician care, and care rendered by other providers.

Optional coverage - Coverage may be declined, particularly if you (or a spouse) are still working full time for a company with at least 20 employees and have group health benefits through them.

Monthly premiums apply, which may vary based on your income.

Part D
(Prescription Drug Coverage)

You are not covered for most prescription drugs under Medicare Parts A or B.

  • Adds prescription drug coverage (both generic and brand name drugs) to your Original Medicare plan.
  • Optional coverage available through a private insurer.
  • Premiums vary by plan.
  • Must have Medicare Parts A and/or B to enroll.
  • Must be a Florida resident.

See our Medicare Part D Plans


Medicare Supplement
Insurance Policies
(sometimes referred to as "Medigap" policies)
  • Adds benefits that pay for many health care costs that Original Medicare requires you to pay (e.g. coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles).
  • Optional coverage available through a private insurer.
  • Premiums vary by plan.
  • Must have Medicare Parts A and B and be at least age 65 to enroll.
  • Must be a Florida resident.

See our Medicare Supplement Plans


FBM MED 001 102009
Medicare Advantage Plans
(also known as Part C)

Part C
(Hospital and Medical combined)
  • Replaces Original Medicare Parts A and B, combining them into one plan.
  • Offers the same coverage as Original Medicare, plus may offer extra benefits such as prescription drug coverage.
  • Available through private insurers.
  • Premiums vary by plan.
  • Must have Medicare Parts A and B to enroll.

Plan types include:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Requires you to use only network providers, except in emergencies.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Allows you to visit in- or out-of-network providers; However, your out-of-pocket costs will most likely be lower if you use in-network providers.

PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service): Allows you to visit any provider that is allowed to bill Medicare and accepts the terms and conditions of payment of the private insurer. Providers collect the member's cost-share when services are rendered and submit claims to the private insurer.

See our: