I thought I was covered during my snowbird months in Florida, but apparently not. What kind of plan do I actually need for that?
Answered by 37 licensed agents
Answered by Michael Ryan on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by Bill Wheeler on July 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY & IN
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
Answered by Steven Graves on July 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX
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?
Answered by Nikki Rowland on April 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC & NC
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.
Answered by David Silver on April 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV
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.
Answered by Jonathan Potter on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states
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.
Answered by Cynthia Nakaya on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, GA, MO & TX
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.
Answered by Renee Brown on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states
Answered by Tom Rogala on April 5, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, AR, AZ & 10 other states
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.
Answered by Sherah Beasley on April 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Nolan Popel on April 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, AZ, CA & 15 other states
Answered by Jon Kelderman on June 24, 2025
Broker Licensed in IA, AZ & TX
Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on June 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states
Answered by Paula Duffy on April 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA, FL, OH & WV
Answered by John Budde on July 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in IA, NE & SD
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 24, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Michael Pyers on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH & MI
Answered by Shelly Hefley on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN
I have several different plans that do both except I don’t know what your home state is
Answered by Jim Willis on May 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 12 other states
Answered by James Stang on June 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in OH
Answered by Deb Haley on June 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 10 other states
Answered by Michael Crocker on April 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC
Another option would be the Medicare Advantage PPO Plan as it offers nationwide coverage with in & out of network options. In-network would have lower cost than out of network options. It's always wise to double check with your Insurance Company or Broker/Agent and ask about coverage in the area that your will be "snow-birding" to ask about your coverage.
Answered by Brenda Trejos on July 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 28 other states
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.
Answered by Crystal Burney on June 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in AR, OK & TX
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.
Answered by Fred Manas on June 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
If you have a Medicare advantage plan and you go out of network and it's a HMO plan, then you will not have coverage except for an emergency
If you have an HMO POS plan then you will have coverage wherever you go
If you have a PPO plan you will have coverage but it may be out of network rates which are higher
If you have a Medicare supplement plan, you don't have to worry about any of these things. You're covered everywhere in the United States, regardless of where you go
Answered by Gary Henderson on July 20, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 6, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan then you can see any Healthcare provider within the US as long as they accept Medicare.
Answered by Marcie Barnes on July 20, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Toni Chavez on June 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT
Answered by Larry Pereiro on April 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN
Answered by Kevin Chaikin on June 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states
Answered by Daniel Keane on June 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, FL, MI & NC
Answered by Natalee Nimmo on June 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX
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.
Answered by Chris Prang on June 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in VA, AZ, CA & 13 other states
Answered by David Cranford on July 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in OK, FL, IL, OH, TN & TX
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.
Answered by Michael Pane on June 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, CO, FL & 16 other states
Tags: Coverage
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