Florida Medicare FAQ

Medicare works a little differently depending on where you live. Here are direct answers to the questions we hear most from Florida residents.

  • Medicare enrollment works the same nationwide: sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month), during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify. Florida doesn’t have a separate state process - Aleshire Insurance can walk you through which window applies to you at no cost.

  • Many Florida “snowbirds” keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B) because it’s accepted nationwide by any provider who takes Medicare. If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, network coverage is typically tied to the county where you’re enrolled, so it’s worth reviewing how a specific plan handles care outside Florida before you enroll. Ask us to review your travel pattern and we’ll flag anything that matters for your situation.

  • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) moves with you anywhere in the U.S. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are tied to your state and sometimes county of residence, so a move to Florida is a Special Enrollment Period trigger that lets you re-shop your plan. Let us know your move date and we’ll confirm your enrollment window.

  • Florida’s SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), run through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Aleshire Insurance also offers free consultations - the difference is SHINE counselors don’t sell or recommend specific plans, while our licensed agents can help you compare and enroll directly.

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan, usually with a network and lower monthly cost. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) pairs with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and generally offers more flexibility to see any provider that accepts Medicare, typically for a higher monthly premium. Which fits better depends on your health needs, budget, and how you travel - we can walk through the tradeoffs for your situation.

  • No. Our consultations are free, and we’re not paid by you - plans pay us only if you choose to enroll through us, which doesn’t change your premium. There’s no obligation to enroll after speaking with us.

  • Call 1-800-432-9757 or schedule a free consultation online. We serve Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Florida, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, and Tallahassee.