I thought I was covered during my snowbird months in Florida, but apparently not. What kind of plan do I actually need for that?

Question

Michael Ryan · Accepted Answer

You actually have several options. Sounds like you have a HMO Advantage plan where you live. One option would be to stay on original Medicare with a supplemental plan. That would allow you access to any provider that accepts Medicare across the country. Another option would be a PPO Medicare Advantage plan if its available in you area. Several national carriers have network providers across the nation and would also provide coverage out of network.

Answered by Michael Ryan on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Michael Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

If you have traditional Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan, also known as Medigap, then you are covered. However, if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to ensure that your healthcare providers are in your plan's network.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Nikki Rowland · Answer

Best Option: Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan
Covers you nationwide — any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare.

No networks, so it works anywhere in the US that accepts Medicare..

Pair it with a Part D drug plan for prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage Plans are network-based and area-specific.

If your plan is based in SC, it may not cover non-emergency care in FL (or may have out-of-network fees).

Some PPOs offer limited nationwide coverage, but it’s plan-specific and not guaranteed.

Bottom line:
If you’re a snowbird, a Medigap plan is your most flexible, travel-friendly choice.

Want help checking what Medigap plans are available to you now?

Steven Graves · Answer

That’s a common issue for snowbirds! Many Medicare plans have geographic restrictions, so coverage outside your primary state can be limited or nonexistent.

If you want coverage both at home and during your months in Florida, here are your best options:
1. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plan + Original Medicare
Nationwide coverage anywhere in the U.S., including Florida

Freedom to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare

Ideal if you spend significant time in multiple states

2. Medicare Advantage PPO Plans with Nationwide Networks
Some PPO plans offer out-of-network coverage nationwide (though often at higher cost-sharing)

Check carefully if the plan’s network includes providers in both your home state and Florida

Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer this level of flexibility

3. Travel-Specific Plans or Riders
Some insurers offer add-ons or travel riders for Medicare Advantage plans that expand coverage temporarily while you’re out of state

These are less common and may have limitations

Bottom line:
If you want peace of mind and access to care both at home and in Florida, a Medigap plan paired with Original Medicare is usually the safest choice.

Would you like help reviewing your current coverage or finding plans that fit your snowbird lifestyle?        Call us  Medicare4USA.com    214-989-7900

David Silver · Answer

If it's an emergency or urgent care situation, your Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO and Medicare supplement will cover you.

If it's non emergency care that you need and you will probably want to have a Medicare Advantage PPO coverage, because you will be covered both in and out of network(out of network will cost more) and you will not need referrals. 

Ideally, you should have Medicare Supplement coverage, because with this coverage you get get care from any provider that accepts Medicare. You never have to worry about networks and you can get care in any state.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

If you just need emergency care you can go to any hospital or instacare with any plan that you have and be covered.

If you need to see doctors on a regular basis then a PPO plan will work if they are in network. Your agent can help you check on this easily.

If you have a supplement then you just have to ask if they bill medicare and the supplement that you have.

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

You didn't say how long you spend in Florida each year, so I will cover several scenarios for you.

If you want to have coverage no matter where you are in the United States, the best option is a Medicare Supplement (Med-Supp) plan that works with original Medicare. Since it doesn't include prescription drug coverage (a PDP), you need to get one in addition to Med-Supp. There are rules that vary from state to state that determine when you can enroll into Med-Supp without medical underwriting, but specific rules on when you can enroll into a PDP. Open enrollment for PDPs is during the Annual Enrollment period from Oct 15-Dec 7 annually. You may also enroll in a PDP if you have a special enrollment period available. Med-Supp allows you to see any doctor anywhere in the country who accepts Original Medicare as payment for services.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA or MAPD) plan, you can use it for emergency or urgent care situations when you are out of the service area. You cannot use it for routine services unless it's a PPO. Using a PPO out of network can expose you to higher co-pays. If you are out of your service area for over a certain amount of time- usually 6 months- you may be disenrolled. If you have further questions, I'm happy to answer them.

Renee Brown · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage, you would either need to have a PPO plan, or
a plan with the travel benefit in it. Some HMO/POS plans do allow you to travel outside 
your area with their plan and still be in network, but you would just need to check with the
company you have to see if that is part of your plan. Medicare Supplement plans
will also allow you to travel and be covered anywhere in the US, as long as Medicare is accepted.

Tom Rogala · Answer

Medgap supplement plans do not have a book of doctors.  Any Doctor or Hospital that takes medicare 80% has to take medigap supplement 20%.

Sherah Beasley · Answer

If you are an avid traveler or have a vacation home you spend several weeks or months out of the year at, you most likely would benefit more from Original Medicare, paired with a Medicare supplement plan (specifically a Plan G or Plan N). 

These types of plans fill all of the large gaps in coverage (that having just Original Medicare) and have no limiting networks - if a physician or facility takes Medicare (no matter what state you’re in), you can be seen by that doctor without a referral or prior authorization being necessary. 

Medicare Advantage plans have limitations on them like networks specific to the area you live around, meaning the network of providers/doctors you can see might be limited to your primary residence county or zip code.

Jon Kelderman · Answer

A Medicare supplement or Original Medicare will allow you see any Doctor who accepts Medicare Assignment. 97% of Drs accept Medicare! Additionally, many of the larger Medicare Advantage carriers have national networks that will allow you to see doctors in most major cities. A good local agent should be able to help you sort through these questions.

Answered by Jon Kelderman on June 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AZ & TX

Answered by Jon Kelderman Medicare Insurance Agent

Nolan Popel · Answer

The first option I would consider would be a Medicare Supplement plan . With those plans they are secondary coverage and you can go to any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. If this kind of coverage is not affordable there are nationwide PPO plans that let you go to different doctors in different states.

Answered by Nolan Popel on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Nolan Popel Medicare Insurance Agent

Jillian Bellinger-Laing · Answer

You would want to keep Medicare as your primary insurance and then choose a Medicare Supplement for your secondary. This will give you the flexibility to see who you want when you are traveling, as long as they accept Medicare.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent

Paula Duffy · Answer

Depending on your plan you can have coverage.  Please contact me for more information to review your options.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

One aspect of this question has to do with your decision as to how many months are you staying at each location. If it the same 6 months, you must decide which is your true home domicile? Once you have committed to your home state, the Medicare Supplement is universal in every state. It moves with you, whereas the Advantage plan only works in the county you live in! Even if you were to move within your home state, a change of county at any time of the year causes an “SEP”, or Special Election Period. This ensures that a switch to the best plan in your new county is necessary! It can be with your current insurance company or with a new one with a possible smaller deductible. Exception: should you have an Advantage plan in a larger FL town, you can check with your Customer Service department, asking for a doctor who is is willing to take you on. So, doing some investigation on your part will be essential.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Medicare Advantage Plans are only required to cover you for an emergency while outside of their service area!  You would have been covered if you had a Medicare Supplement (Medigap Plan).

Shelly Hefley · Answer

A Medicare supplement is always best for snowbirds - it covers you anywhere! But sometimes that is not affordable so Medicare Advantage plans that have a wide network which would cover your providers in both locations!

Answered by Shelly Hefley on March 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

You are covered in other states if you are on either a Medigap Supplement plan or a Medicare Advantage PPO plan that is offered in the other state you spend winters in. Depending on whether your Medicare Advantage plan is with a carrier who contracts providers either in multiple states or nationwide you can find providers in Florida. If your plan only contracts providers in your home state then perhaps you should look at other options for either supplement plans or medicare advantage PPO so that you can still be covered for more than just 'emergency care' while in Florida. You may choose to enroll in a different plan during AEP.

Answered by Deb Haley on June 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Deb Haley Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Crocker · Answer

It sounds like you are on a Medicare Advantage plan with a very limited network. Medicare supplements (unlike Medicare Advantage plans) don't have networks, so that's an option if you are able to pass underwriting or have a guaranteed issue opportunity. Another option is a to see if there is a Medicare Advantage plan in your area with a nationwide PPO network. Several of the larger carriers offer nationwide coverage this way. A good local broker will be able to assist you in finding such a plan.

Answered by Michael Crocker on April 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC

Answered by Michael Crocker Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Willis · Answer

You need to be on a PPO that has network doctors in your home state as well as in Florida. 
I have several different plans that do both except I don’t know what your home state is

James Stang · Answer

You need to be covered by a MA plan with a national network or by Medicare A & B with a Supplement. It sounds like you are covered by a Medicare Advantage plan with a local network.

Crystal Burney · Answer

I would need to sit down with you for a full assessment of your health, budget, and lifestyle to build a plan that fits your needs, as each individual's needs are different, there are definitely a few different options we can explore.
 One option is Original Medicare paired with a Supplement plan and a Part D drug plan, which gives you the freedom to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. This is great for frequent travelers, or another option is a PPO Medicare Advantage plan that may offer coverage in both states and include a broader network. Some of these plans can work well for people splitting time between two locations.

Fred Manas · Answer

To maintain proper health insurance coverage as a snowbird in Florida, you'll likely need a plan that accommodates your seasonal travel. If you're enrolled in Original Medicare, it offers nationwide coverage at any participating provider, which is ideal for snowbirds. However, Medicare Advantage plans, which are often region-specific, may require you to confirm out-of-state coverage. You may also need to explore options like: 
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans:
.
These can help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare, like deductibles and copayments. 
Private health insurance:
.
If you're not yet eligible for Medicare, you'll need a plan in your state of residence. 
Temporary or short-term health insurance:
.
This could be an option for bridging gaps in coverage or for shorter stays. 
Additionally, consider:
State residency requirements:
.
If you spend a significant amount of time in Florida, you may need to understand the state's residency rules and potential implications for your insurance. 
Auto insurance:
.
If you drive your car to Florida, you'll likely need Florida auto insurance, especially if you're staying for an extended period. 
For the most accurate advice tailored to your specific situation, consult with a licensed insurance professional who specializes in snowbird health coverage.

Andrew Kramer · Answer

All Advantage plans give you coverage anywhere in the US when you are away from your network area - any urgent care facility, and the ER of any hospital. And if you go to the ER and are admitted, the ER co-pay is waived and the hospital co-pays starts. And it's the co-pays of your plan. What you don't have on an HMO is the ability to see a doctor outside your service area. You did not specify if you have an HMO or PPO. If you have a PPO, you can see a doctor who accepts your plan, anywhere in the US, however, if you don't already have a relationship with them, and have not transferred your medical records, they will not see you. You can also go out-of-network on a PPO, but you may have to pay the full charge and get reimbursed from your plan back to your out-of-network co-pay.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Toni Chavez · Answer

It all depends on what address you have filed with Social Security. You can always look at a PPO plan or a plan that gives you a travel benefit option for the months you are not in your home state. Call a broker in the main resident state (where you file your taxes) and they can help and guide your options and help you avoid costly mistakes. Our services are no cost to you.

Answered by Toni Chavez on June 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT

Answered by Toni Chavez Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Pereiro · Answer

Many of the plans available have "travel benefits" for in network providers when you are staying in your alternative location. We can always find a plan that meets this need for you.

Daniel Keane · Answer

Generally, if you are living in two locations throughout the year you should be on a Medigap plan. Medigap plans cover you in both locations as you can obtain services from any provider that accepts Medicare beneficiaries.

Answered by Daniel Keane on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, FL, MI & NC

Answered by Daniel Keane Medicare Insurance Agent

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

I would recommend a Medicare supplement plan. There are no networks with them and accepted nationwide.

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

If you are spending winters in another state you will be best served by original Medicare with a supplement. This provides you the same coverage anywhere in the United States with any doctor who takes Medicare (no networks). Your supplement will work exactly the same way it does in your home state and pay for most of your out of pocket expenses leftover by Medicare A&B.

Answered by Kevin Chaikin on June 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Kevin Chaikin Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Prang · Answer

Option 1: Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (just don't get a "Select" supplement) + Part D drug plan.

Option 2: Medicare Advantage PPO with a Passive Network. That means you can use it in or out-of-network for the same copays. 

Option 3: Medicare Advantage PPO from one of the large, nationwide MA companies...like Humana, UHC, Aetna. Humana works very well in Florida.

Option 4: Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO that allows you to travel and use the companies network providers in other areas. You can do this with most Medicare Advantage plans. And ideally from one of the large, nationwide MA companies.

I hope that helps.

Michael Pane · Answer

Depending on the carrier you are currently enrolled in for Medicare Advantage plans, they may offer what's called a traveler benefit in situations. You can go up to either 181 days or 12 months from your home and have in-network services provided.
Additionally, look at what type of network you are plan is participating in. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) network typically does not provide for out-of-network benefits unless an Emergency Room or Urgent Care Visit. If the visit is an emergent need of life and death, your provider will work with your carrier through their processes. With this scenario, you may be responsible for a majority or all the costs of care.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) that has in-network and out-of-network benefits. Only caveat to a PPO is the provider may not be in network with your plan and may or may not decide  to participate out-of-network leaving you to either pay higher cost-sharing or all the out-of-pocket costs.

Another option would be a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan that does not have a network.

I thought I was covered during my snowbird months in Florida, but apparently not. What kind of plan do I actually need for that?

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I thought I was covered during my snowbird months in Florida, but apparently not. What kind of plan do I actually need for that?

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