Florida Blue offers several Medicare Supplement plans to its customers, each with its own unique benefits and costs. Florida Blue Plan A is one of the most basic plans, covering 80% of Medicare-approved expenses.
Florida Blue Plan F is the most comprehensive plan, covering 100% of Medicare-approved expenses, but it's also the most expensive. Florida Blue Plan G is a more affordable option, covering 80% of Medicare-approved expenses, but it requires a Part B deductible.
The costs of Florida Blue Medicare Supplement plans vary depending on your age, location, and the plan you choose. For example, a 65-year-old living in Miami can expect to pay around $150 per month for Florida Blue Plan G.
What Medicare Insurance Offers
Medicare Insurance Offers a Wide Range of Coverage Options.
Medicare offers four main types of health insurance: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice care.
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment.
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies and covers all of Medicare's services.
Part D covers prescription medication.
Medicare also offers a range of additional benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
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Choosing the Right Plan
Florida Blue Medicare Supplement offers a range of plans to suit your needs, with ten different Medicare Supplemental Plans available. These plans can help reduce out-of-pocket costs and offer flexibility to choose from various plan options.
The plans include Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, Plan F, Plan G, Plan K, Plan L, Plan M, and Plan N. It's essential to note that BlueMedicare Supplement Plans C and F, as well as BlueMedicare Supplement Select Plan C, may not be offered to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
Florida Blue Medicare Supplement Insurance policies are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare Program. The amount of benefits provided depends on the plan that is selected, and the premium may vary depending on the amount of benefits selected.
To receive the discounted price, you need to select the Monthly Bank Draft option during the application process. This option is not available if you choose any other payment method, and the discount will not apply to the first month's payment.
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Here are the plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, which includes Florida Blue:
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers extra benefits in most states, including premium discounts, a 24/7 nurse line, routine hearing exams, a free fitness membership, and discounts on health products and services. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to add coverage for prescription drugs and dental care or a dental/vision/hearing package.
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Cost and Exclusions
Florida Blue Medicare Supplement plans have exclusions that are not more restrictive than those of Medicare. However, some exclusions apply only to specific plans.
Plan F, Plan C, and Plan G have different exclusions for care received outside of the United States. For example, Plan F excludes care received outside of the US that is not a Medically Necessary Medical Emergency/Accident Service.
Some services or supplies are not covered by Medicare, including those that exceed Medicare coverage limits, duplicate services already paid for by Medicare, and services for which there is no charge or no legal obligation to pay.
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Here are some examples of exclusions for specific plans:
It's also worth noting that SilverSneakers, a fitness program, operates separately from Florida Blue's Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy.
Medicare Average Cost
The average cost of Medicare can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose.
Original Medicare has no monthly premium for Part A, but most people pay a premium for Part B, which is around $170 per month in 2022.
The cost of Medicare Advantage plans can range from $0 to $200 per month, depending on the plan and your location.
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, can cost between $100 and $400 per month, depending on the plan and your age.
It's worth noting that these costs do not include the cost of prescription drugs, which can add up quickly.
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Medigap Costs
Medigap premiums can vary depending on your age and the state you live in.
In some states, Medigap plans are standardized, meaning that the same plan will have the same benefits and costs regardless of the insurance company.
Additional reading: Benefits for a Medicare Supplement Policy
You'll typically pay a monthly premium for your Medigap plan, which can range from $100 to $400 per month.
The cost of Medigap plans can increase over time due to inflation and other factors.
Some Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible for a discount on their Medigap premiums if they have a low-income status.
Exclusions for Medicare
If you're considering a Medicare Supplement plan, it's essential to know what's not covered. Services or supplies that exceed Medicare coverage limits are not eligible as a Medicare-eligible expense.
Duplicate services or supplies already paid for by Medicare are also not covered. This means if you've already received payment for a service from Medicare, you can't claim it again through your Medicare Supplement plan.
Some services are excluded due to no charge or no legal obligation to pay. This includes mental or nervous disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction beyond Medicare allowances.
Certain medical conditions are also excluded, such as those resulting from war, participation in illegal activities, suicide attempts, air accidents outside the US, intoxication, or cosmetic surgery for non-medical reasons.
Here's a summary of exclusions for different plans:
Keep in mind that these exclusions apply only to the specified plans and not to other Medicare Supplement plans.
Hospital Services
You can see any hospital or facility that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions. This is a huge benefit for those who need medical attention.
Hospitalization is covered under Medicare Part A, and you won't pay a dime for the first 60 days of hospital stay. This is great news for those who may need to spend some time in the hospital.
After 60 days, you'll still pay nothing for hospitalization, even up to day 90. This is a relief for those who may need extended care.
However, if you need hospitalization beyond 90 days, you'll pay 100% of the costs after day 150. This is something to keep in mind when planning your medical care.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care is also covered under Medicare Part A, but you must meet specific requirements, such as being in a hospital for at least 3 days and entering a Medicare-approved facility within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
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For the first 20 days of Skilled Nursing Facility Care, you won't pay a thing. This is a great benefit for those who need ongoing care.
After 20 days, you'll still pay nothing for Skilled Nursing Facility Care, until you reach 100 days. After that, you'll pay 100% of the costs.
Hospice Care is available as long as your doctor certifies that you have a terminal illness, and you elect to receive services. This is a vital benefit for those who are nearing the end of life.
The cost of Hospice Care is zero, which is a huge relief for those who are going through a difficult time.
Home Health Care is also covered under Medicare, and you won't pay anything for medically necessary skilled care services and medical supplies.
Blood is covered under Medicare Part A and Part B, but you'll pay up to 100% of the Part B deductible for blood you receive as a hospital outpatient.
Here's a summary of the costs for Hospital Services:
Keep in mind that these costs are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or Medicare for the most up-to-date information.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
It's divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice care.
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
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Medical Services
Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including physician services, inpatient and outpatient care at hospitals, and physical therapy.
You'll pay a copayment for these services, which can be as low as $20 for an office visit, but can be as high as $50 for an ER visit after meeting the Part B deductible.
The Part B deductible is 100% of the allowed amount, and it's essential to note that charges exceeding Medicare's allowance are not covered.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is also covered, with you paying 100% of the Part B deductible for these medically necessary items.
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If you travel abroad, Medicare doesn't cover medically necessary emergency services, but you'll be responsible for the initial $250, then 20% of the charges up to the $50,000 lifetime maximum.
Here's a breakdown of the copayments and deductibles for these services:
Important Disclosure
Florida Blue Medicare plans are guaranteed renewable, meaning your coverage will continue as long as you pay your premiums on time.
You can't be terminated for any reason other than nonpayment of premiums or material misrepresentation.
Florida Blue can only increase your premium if they raise the premium for all similar policies in the state of Florida.
This means you'll be protected from arbitrary premium hikes.
Make sure to wait until you've received your new policy and decided to keep it before canceling your old policy.
This will help you avoid any gaps in coverage.
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When to Apply for Medigap
You have a six-month window to enroll in a Medigap plan, starting the month you have Part B coverage. This is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
During this time, insurance companies can't deny your application or charge you more based on your health conditions. You'll be accepted into any plan you choose.
If you're already past your enrollment period, you can still apply, but insurance companies will review your medical history. This means they might deny your application or charge you more.
You may also have other Guaranteed Enrollment Periods if you move to another state, lose coverage from an employer, and so on. These rights are governed by both federal and state laws.
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Exploring the History
Florida Blue has a rich history of providing quality healthcare to Floridians, dating back to 1945 when they introduced the first Blues plan. They've been working towards making healthcare accessible and affordable for nearly 80 years.
Their mission is to put innovation to work for their nearly 6 million members, with a goal of delivering high-quality, affordable care to everyone. This not-for-profit model has allowed them to focus on the needs of their members.
In 2006, Florida Blue opened neighborhood hubs, making it easier for members to speak directly with experts about their health. This was a significant step towards improving the member experience.
Today, Florida Blue is the largest provider of individual marketplace plans in a single state in the country. Their commitment to innovation and accessibility has made a significant impact on the lives of their members.
Forever 65
If you're a Florida resident with a Medigap plan, you might be interested in Forever 65, the issue-age pricing program. This program allows you to pay the same rate as a 65-year-old member, even if you're 85 or 95.
With Forever 65, you can maintain control over your rates and prevent them from changing as you age. This means you'll have predictable costs and won't have to worry about rate increases.
Forever 65 is a great option for people who want to budget their healthcare costs and plan for the future. It's a simple and straightforward way to ensure you're not hit with surprise rate hikes.
Important Information
Florida Blue Medicare Supplement plans are guaranteed renewable, meaning your coverage won't be terminated unless you fail to pay your premiums or make a material misrepresentation.
Your premiums can only increase if Florida Blue raises the premium for all similar policies in the state.
Make sure to wait until you've received your new policy and decided to keep it before canceling your old one to avoid any gaps in coverage.
You have the freedom to purchase any policy offered by Florida Blue, with or without an additional Annual Out-of-Pocket Limit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Blue Plan G good?
Florida Blue Plan G is considered the best Medicare Supplement plan in Florida, offering great customer satisfaction and locked-in rates. It's a top choice for those seeking reliable coverage.
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
The best supplemental insurance for Medicare depends on your needs, with options like Humana for extra benefits, State Farm for straightforward coverage, AARP by UnitedHealthcare for extensive medical care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for a range of Medigap plans. Consider your priorities to choose the best fit for your Medicare coverage.
How much does Medicare Plan G cost in Florida?
Medicare Plan G costs an average of $233 per month in Florida. If you're eligible, it offers excellent coverage at a lower cost than some other plans.
What is the disadvantage of Plan G?
The main disadvantage of Medicare Plan G is that it doesn't cover the Part B deductible or any services not covered by Medicare, including dental, vision, and prescriptions. This means you'll need to pay out-of-pocket for these essential expenses.
What does Plan G cover for Medicare Supplement?
Plan G covers 100% of Medicare Part A and B co-pays, coinsurance, and excess charges, including skilled nursing, rehab, and hospice care. This comprehensive coverage helps fill the gaps in traditional Medicare.
Sources
- https://medicare.websales.floridablue.com/sbu/medsupp/compare/4654,4650
- https://medicarenationwide.com/florida-blue-medicare-supplement-review/
- https://www.simpleadvisor.com/medicare-supplement-plans/florida-blue
- https://www.investopedia.com/the-best-medicare-supplement-insurance-companies-8764684
- https://myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/understanding-insurance/medicare-supplement-insurance-overview
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