Government Health Insurance in Florida

Created in 1965, Medicare is health insurance sponsored by the federal government for people 65 and older, or those under 65 who may qualify, if they have certain disabilities or conditions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (DMS) is the federal agency that runs the Medicare Program. CMS is a brand of the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare is paid for through two trust fund accounts held by the U.S. Treasury. These funds are Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund and Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Fund, which can only be used for Medicare.

Medicare started with just two parts, Parts A and B, also referred to as Original Medicare. Later on, Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) and Part D prescription drug coverage were added as people’s needs changed. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are private health insurance plans sold by companies like Florida Blue.

Original Medicare - Part A and B:

Original Medicare includes Part A and B. These are sponsored by the federal government. Part A – Hospital Insurance covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B – Medical Insurance covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all of your Medicare expenses. Because of this, other Medicare plans help provide additional coverage.

Medicare Advantage - Part C

Medicare Advantage(Part C) plans are an all-in-one plan offered by private health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage health plans include the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A & B), plus extras like vision, hearing, and dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage.

Prescription Drug - Part D

Medicare Part D, or prescription drug coverage plans are also offered by private insurance health companies. They offer coverage for your prescription drugs, including many shots or vaccines.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement plans, often called Medigap, help pay some out of pocket costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Supplement plans are private insurance plans. Most people who choose a Medicare Supplement plan also choose a Medicare Part D plan.

Your choice of Medicare plan should be made with your long-term future health care needs in mind. Our team has helped thousands create a Medicare plan that was right for them. We can guide you through every step of the process.

Knowing when and how to sign up for Medicare can help you get through enrollment with ease. Whether you’re under 65, turning 65 today or working past 65, we can help you understand your Medicare choices every step of the way. Medicare enrollment doesn’t automatically happen when you turn 65. You can enroll in Medicare anytime during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is the 7-month window when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

• starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
• includes the month you turn 65
• ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

Learn more about what FHCP Medicare from Florida Blue can do for you, call 1-844-672-7324.

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