Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Florida
In the state of Florida, you have many companies to choose from when you’re looking for the best Medicare Supplement provider.
The two largest names that are dominating the Florida market are:
- #1. Florida Blue
- #2. UnitedHealthcare
My name is Mark Prip, and I’ve been helping people understand how Medicare works for over 15 years.
Today, I want to highlight some of the biggest, well-known companies that have the largest market share and the highest customer satisfaction rate when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans in Florida.
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Quick Reminder:
Before I begin this article, it’s important to remember that all Medigap plan benefits are the same regardless of which company you select.
So, if you’re looking at Medigap Plan G with UnitedHealthcare, the benefits and coverage will be identical to those of Florida Blue’s Medigap Plan G.
Look for any unique features each company has that I will cover in this article today.
#1. Florida Blue
We’ll start with Florida Blue, which is #1 on my list. I’ve worked with Florida Blue personally for almost 20 years.
When it comes to their Medicare Supplement plans, I’m a little biased because:
- I’ve seen how they pay their claims,
- I’ve seen how they’ve remained competitive with their monthly premiums, and
- I’ve seen the perks that they offer with all of their Medicare Supplement plans.
Let’s jump in, and I’ll show you what I mean.
As you can see right out of the gate, Florida Blue has a market share of roughly 18.5%. The example rate I pulled on Plan G is $214 a month, and Plan N is $176 a month.
Over the last year, we’ve seen an average of a 7% increase in monthly premiums.
Let’s look at some of their additional features.
They offer discounts through the Blue365 program. They also offer the SilverSneakers fitness program at an additional premium.
What’s unique about Florida Blue is that they offer age-locked premiums. What does that mean?
- That means whatever age you enter into your Medigap plan, your rates will not increase due to age. They will only increase due to medical claims for the state of Florida on a risk-basis as a whole.
They also offer an additional 1.5% monthly APO discount if you set up to have your premium withdrawn automatically from your checking account.
Last but not least, they have been an established company in Florida for over 50 years.
Moving on to #2 on my list: UnitedHealthcare.
#2. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare has a slightly smaller market share of around 10%, but as you can see from their sample rates below, Plan G is around $215 a month, and Plan N is $183.
Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare’s monthly rates have always been very competitive year over year. On the average rate increase, we’re looking at roughly the same amount as Florida Blue, around 7% per year.
Below are some of the additional features offered by UnitedHealthcare.
UnitedHealthcare offers the option of including their Renew Active fitness program and dental, vision, and hearing discounts.
They’re also an established company that has been operating in the state of Florida for over 20 years.
#3. Cigna
Last but not least on my list is Cigna. Although Cigna has been around for a long time, they’re fairly new to the state of Florida, and we don’t see much activity with them. However, I found them worth mentioning because their rates are a little more competitive.
But, their rate increases are slightly more than those of Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare.
Their market share is just over 1%. The example rate on Plan G is $190 per month, and Plan N is $141.
But again, their average rate increase over the past year has been roughly 7 to 10%, which is a little bit more than UnitedHealthcare and Florida Blue.
Cigna offers four standardized Medigap plans—the same as UnitedHealthcare and Florida Blue—so it’s nothing special. Typically, Plan N and Plan G are the most popular options.
They offer up to 25% premium discounts, including household discounts if a spouse or a family member applies. They offer similar benefits, such as the Healthy Rewards program, that Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare offer.
Cigna boasts 24/7 customer service care – which again is not that big of a deal – but it’s an added benefit.
We’ve covered the top three companies. Now, we’ll talk about the biggest question that most people are asking.
Which Medicare Supplement Plan Has the Highest Level of Coverage?
For many years, Medicare Supplement Plan F was considered the most comprehensive Medigap plan, as it covered 100% of all Medicare-approved costs, including the Part B deductible. However, due to legislative changes, Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
As a result, Plan G is now the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. While it offers nearly identical coverage to Plan F, it does not cover the Part B deductible—which is $257 in 2025.
| COVERAGE AREA | PLAN F | PLAN G |
| Part A Deductible | Yes | Yes |
| Part B Deductible | Yes | ❌ Not Covered ($257 in 2025) |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | Yes | Yes |
| Part B Excess Charges | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (80%) | Yes | Yes |
Why Did Plan F Get Phased Out for New Enrollees?
The reason Plan F was discontinued for new Medicare enrollees was because it covered all out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B deductible. This led to concerns about “overutilization” of healthcare services since beneficiaries had no upfront costs when visiting the doctor or getting tests.
By requiring beneficiaries to pay the Part B deductible, Plan G ensures cost-sharing while still offering robust coverage.
Which Plan Is More Cost-Effective?
If you qualify for Plan F (meaning you were eligible for Medicare before 2020), you can still purchase it. However, Plan F premiums are typically higher than Plan G premiums, and they tend to increase at a faster rate due to higher claims usage.
For many beneficiaries, Plan G is the smarter financial choice because:
✔️ It has a lower monthly premium compared to Plan F
✔️ The only out-of-pocket cost is the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025)
✔️ The premium increases are generally more stable over time
Bottom Line: Plan G Is the Best Option Today
- If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you can still enroll in Plan F, but Plan G is often the better deal.
- If you became eligible for Medicare after 2020, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Florida
Now, regarding the most popular Medigap plans, I’ve taken the screenshot below from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which highlights that Plan G is definitely the winner.
A 2023 study found that Plan G is the most popular policy type in the Medigap market, with 39% of Medigap enrollees, or nearly 5.3 million people, choosing it.
I wanted to highlight this slide because when people are new to Medicare, they look at the full Medigap chart, which has all ten plans. But really, when it comes down to it, the two most popular plans that people select are going to be:
- #1. Medigap Plan G
- #2. Medigap Plan N
Medigap Plan G is #1 because it’s the most inclusive of all coverage. The only thing that Medigap Plan G does not cover is your annual Medicare Part B deductible. After that, you are home-free when it comes to out-of-pocket costs.
Plan N is the second runner-up, with slightly lower premiums because there is a little more cost-sharing. You will have a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for urgent care. Those two copay features drive down that monthly premium.
Of course, you still have to pay your Medicare Part B deductible, whether it’s Plan G or Plan N.
What About Medigap Rate Increases in Florida?
You’re probably thinking:
- “If I pick Florida Blue or UnitedHealthcare, I want to know the future and what my rate increases will be.”
So, let me give you a little bit of history on Medigap rate increases. This should help you understand what to expect in the future, no matter which company you choose.
Medigap companies will apply regular rate increases. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this. That’s the same with homeowner or auto insurance, or the price of eggs, gas, or milk.
Inflation happens, and the cost of medical care rises. That’s unavoidable.
Historically, back in the 2010s, the market average was around 4% increase per year. From the 2010s till about 2018, it was around 5%. And then COVID happened.
Well, when COVID happened, everyone was in quarantine and everyone delayed their medical care. So those people that had non-urgent medical needs (like a surgery that wasn’t urgent) delayed care during COVID.
And once COVID started to dissipate, people rushed back out in the medical field to get these non-urgent matters handled. So there was a large influx of people filing claims at the same time.
That is a big driving factor in why we’re seeing rate increases of 7 to 10% – not just in Florida but across all states. This is not unique to Florida (or to Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare). You simply won’t avoid these rate changes with any company you pick.
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There's Hope!
The hope is that rates will start to come down and stabilize now that the heavy COVID claims activity is beginning to settle down as we enter the next one or two years.
When Can I Enroll in a Medigap Plan?
Enrolling in a Medigap plan is generally easiest during specific periods to avoid medical underwriting. Here’s when you can enroll:
- During Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:
This six-month period begins when you first enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or older. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you can enroll in any Medigap plan without medical underwriting or being denied for pre-existing conditions.
- If You Qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights:
Certain life events, such as losing employer-sponsored coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan exiting your area, allow you to enroll in Medigap without medical underwriting.
- Anytime (But May Require Medical Underwriting):
Outside of the open enrollment period and guaranteed issue situations, you can still apply for a Medigap plan, but insurance companies can require medical underwriting and potentially deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health status.
To ensure the best rates and avoid potential underwriting issues, enrolling in Medigap during your open enrollment period or under guaranteed issue rights is ideal.
Do I Really Need Supplemental Insurance with Medicare?
Medicare provides essential health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to learn that it doesn’t cover everything. Without supplemental insurance, you could be left paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical expenses.
So, do you really need a Medicare Supplement plan? Let’s break down the financial realities of Original Medicare and why supplement insurance is a smart investment.
The Cost Gaps in Original Medicare
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) help cover many healthcare services, but they leave significant gaps in coverage, including:
- Medicare Part A Deductible: In 2025, the deductible for hospital stays is $1,676 per benefit period. If you’re hospitalized multiple times in a year, you’ll pay this deductible each time.
- Daily Coinsurance for Extended Hospital Stays: After 60 days in the hospital, you’ll pay $419 per day, and after 90 days, it jumps to $838 per day.
- Medicare Part B Deductible and Coinsurance: After the annual $257 deductible (in 2025), Medicare covers only 80% of approved outpatient services, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% with no cap on your total expenses.
- No Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Unlike most employer-sponsored or Medicare Advantage plans, Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket spending limit. That means if you face serious health issues requiring frequent care, there’s no financial safety net.
How a Medicare Supplement Plan Protects You Financially
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to fill these gaps by covering deductibles, coinsurance, and other expenses that Medicare doesn’t. Here’s how they can save you money in the long run:
1. Protection Against Catastrophic Costs
A serious illness, major surgery, or unexpected hospitalization can result in overwhelming medical bills. Without Medigap coverage, you could owe thousands in Part A and Part B costs. A Medicare Supplement plan absorbs much of this financial burden, ensuring predictable healthcare expenses.
2. Freedom to See Any Doctor Nationwide
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that use networks, Medigap policies work with any provider that accepts Medicare. This flexibility is crucial if you travel frequently or want the freedom to choose top specialists without worrying about referrals or coverage restrictions.
3. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Routine and Emergency Care
With Medigap Plan G, for example, you only pay the small annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), and then the plan covers the rest. That means no surprise bills for doctor visits, lab work, or emergency care.
4. Long-Term Savings Compared to Medicare Advantage
While some Medicare Advantage plans offer lower premiums, they often come with high copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits that can reach $8,850 or more annually. If you need frequent care or require a hospital stay, your total costs can quickly exceed what you’d pay for a Medicare Supplement plan with stable, predictable premiums.
Who Benefits Most from Medigap Coverage?
Medigap is ideal for people who:
- Want financial predictability in their healthcare costs
- Require frequent doctor visits, tests, or hospital care
- Travel often or live in multiple states
- Prefer access to any doctor or specialist without network restrictions
- Want comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket expenses
Medicare alone leaves you vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs, making supplemental insurance a wise investment for financial security. While the monthly premiums for a Medicare Supplement plan may seem like an added expense, they provide significant long-term savings by eliminating large, unpredictable medical bills.
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage in Florida: Which is Better?
Florida has one of the country’s highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rates, but is it truly the best option for beneficiaries? While Medicare Advantage plans may seem appealing due to their lower premiums and added benefits, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans offer significantly greater value in terms of flexibility, cost predictability, and coverage.
A Medigap plan is the superior option if you value freedom in choosing healthcare providers, consistent out-of-pocket costs, and nationwide coverage. Below, we break down the key advantages of Medigap over Medicare Advantage and provide a cost comparison chart to illustrate why Medigap could be the best choice for you.
Why Medigap is a Better Choice Than Medicare Advantage
1. No Provider Networks
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which often require you to use a network of doctors and hospitals, Medigap allows you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. This is particularly beneficial in Florida, where many retirees split time between different locations and require access to healthcare providers in multiple states.
2. No Prior Authorizations
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorizations for procedures and services, which can delay necessary care. With Medigap, there are no such restrictions—you get the care you need when you need it.
3. Predictable Costs & No Annual Plan Changes
Medigap plans provide stable and predictable costs for beneficiaries. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which can change benefits, networks, and copays each year, Medigap policies remain consistent, ensuring peace of mind.
4. Ideal for Snowbirds and Frequent Travelers
Florida has a large population of retirees who spend part of the year in another state. Medicare Advantage plans are often limited to local networks, while Medigap covers you nationwide – wherever Medicare is accepted.
5. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
While Medicare Advantage may have lower premiums, the out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments can add up quickly. Medigap minimizes these costs by covering most Medicare-approved expenses, significantly reducing out-of-pocket exposure.
Cost Comparison: Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Florida
Below is a breakdown comparing the costs and features of Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans:
| FEATURE | MEDIGAP PLAN G | MEDICARE ADVANTAGE |
| Monthly Premium | $150–$280 | $0–$50 |
| Primary Care Visit | $0 | $10–$30 per visit |
| Specialist Visit | $0 | $35–$50 per visit |
| Hospital Stay (per day) | $0 | $300–$400 per day for days 1-5 |
| Outpatient Surgery | $0 | $250–$500 |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | No Limit (covers most costs) | $4,500–$8,500 per year |
| Networks | No networks (see any doctor) | Restricted to provider networks |
| Prior Authorization | No | Yes |
| Plan Changes | No annual changes | Benefits and costs can change annually |
| Coverage for Travelers | Nationwide (any provider accepting Medicare) | Limited outside service area |
Medigap Wins
If you live in Florida and are weighing your Medicare options, Medigap provides superior flexibility, stability, and long-term cost savings compared to Medicare Advantage. The ability to see any doctor without network restrictions, avoid prior authorizations and have predictable healthcare costs make Medigap the clear winner—especially for those who travel or live in multiple states.
While Medicare Advantage may work for some individuals seeking lower upfront costs, the trade-offs in flexibility and potential out-of-pocket expenses can be significant. Before deciding, consider your healthcare needs carefully and whether Medigap’s added freedom and cost stability align better with your lifestyle.
My Final Thoughts
I live and work in the state of Florida in the Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage industry, and Florida Blue is my favorite option.
They’re based in Florida, and their rates are competitive. They’ve been here before the baby boomer rush caused all of these other smaller companies to flood the market. They’re a gorilla in the industry, and their perks are very nice as well.
A couple of tips I recommend:
Be careful where you gather your information. A lot of websites on Google are simply just compiling data and giving very shallow information. Most of these people have not worked firsthand with these companies like we have here as licensed agents.
Another popular place I see a lot of people talking is Reddit. Again, with Reddit, that’s helpful, but you have to be careful because there’s a lot of people that don’t understand how the industry works, and give loose advice or recommendations that aren’t always backed up by facts.
I hope this article has been helpful. I congratulate you on looking for a Medicare Supplement plan instead of a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Supplement is a far superior choice. It gives you more control of your care and more freedom and flexibility than a Medicare Advantage plan.
If you have questions, feel free to call us directly. We would be happy to run an individualized quote to see how your rate stacks up and help you understand the different options in more detail. Thanks!
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation
FAQs
- What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
- How do rate increases work for Medicare Supplement plans in Florida?
- What makes Florida Blue a top choice for Medigap plans in Florida?
- How does UnitedHealthcare compare to Florida Blue for Medigap plans?
- Why is Medigap Plan G the most popular choice?
