Is Medicare Free In Florida?

Medicare is an important type of insurance that helps take care of us as we age. We pay into it for most of our lives, giving away a little of our salary each paycheck to help pay for it. When the time comes to take Medicare, you may wonder whether it is free to those who live in Florida.

Medicare is not free in Florida. Everyone pays for Medicare through their taxes over the years. While Florida does not offer free Medicare, it does offer low premiums and out-of-pocket expense limits compared to some of the other states in the nation. This can make Medicare more affordable and may help those who are 65 take out additional insurance to protect themselves, according to Medicare FAQ, who provides information regarding Medicare in Florida.

Let’s take a closer look at how Medicare works in Florida and some of the costs that you can expect to pay for this insurance.

How Much Does Medicare Cost in Florida?

The cost of Medicare is not free in Florida, but it is considered one of the lowest in the United States. The average monthly premium cost in 2021 is just $13.17 a month. And the average in-network limit on out-of-pocket spending for the patient is $4,116 and the drug deductible in 2021 is $111.

Of course, these are all going to depend on the individual who is getting the insurance. Your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs can depend on the plan that you have and where you live. You will also need to meet certain income guidelines in order to qualify for this kind of insurance as well.

Medicare is not free, but it has been paid through your taxes up until your retirement. If you take a look at any paystubs you received before you retired, you will see that there is a deduction from your pay each period that goes to Medicare. This is used to help pay for this kind of insurance. You will not have a premium to pay for Medicare, but you may have a copay depending on where you live.

The amount that you will pay for Medicare depends on a few factors. It will depend on how many years you worked. The more years you worked, the more you already paid into the system and the less you may need to pay later. There are also some sliding scales based on how much you make at the age of 65. If you add some extra programs, like Part D, to the plan, then your costs will be higher.

Who Can Get Medicare in Florida?

There are a few requirements before an individual can get Medicare at all in Florida. You need to either be a permanent legal resident who has lived at least five years in the United States or a U.S. citizen. One or more of the following requirements need to be met too:

• Be older than 65
• If you are under 65 you can get benefits if you receive benefits through the Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security.
• You have ERSD (end-stage renal disease)
• You have ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease

Once you have met the eligibility for Medicare, you will be able to choose from some of the different options out there.

Medicare Options in Florida

If you are 65 or older and you already get Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in a Medicare plan. This will be known as “Original Medicare” and it is divided into two parts. Part A will cover any hospital stays and part B will cover your doctor visits and some outpatient services.

If you would like the option to cover some of your prescriptions, then you will need to purchase a Medicare Part D plan, using a private insurance company. There are also Medicare Supplement plans that would cover some of the components that the original plan will not cover. Private insurance companies will offer other plans, often called Medicare Advantage Plans, as an alternative option that will sometimes cover more things like dental, hearing, and vision.

Getting Medicare for Your needs

When you are ready to start getting Medicare in Florida, you just need to reach out to your closest Social Security office during the Initial Medicare Enrollment Period. This period will be in the three months before you turn 65, the month you are born, and the three months after your birthday.

If you do miss out on this window, there is a General Enrollment Period that is from January 1 to March 31 each year. At this time, you can decide whether you will need any supplemental insurance, such as Part D. Some insurance companies offer different Medicare plans for you to choose from as well. Since you have a large enrollment window to work with, it may be worth your time to shop around and see what options are available.