Medicare can feel confusing the first time you start looking at it.

There are different parts, different plans, deadlines, and a lot of information that can make the process feel overwhelming.

At Preferred Insurance, we help people in Belleview, Ocala, The Villages, Lady Lake, Summerfield, and surrounding Central Florida communities understand how Medicare works and review the plans available in their area.

Sometimes the biggest help is simply having someone explain Medicare in plain English.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for people age 65 and older, although some younger individuals with certain disabilities may also qualify.

Medicare helps cover many types of healthcare services including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital care
• Preventive services
• Prescription medications

While Medicare provides important health coverage, it does not cover every healthcare cost, which is why many people review additional coverage options.

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Medicare is divided into several parts, and each part covers different types of healthcare services.

Medicare Part A

Part A generally helps cover hospital care, including:

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Some home health care
• Hospice care

Many people qualify for premium-free Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes during their working years.

Medicare Part B

Part B helps cover doctor visits and outpatient medical services, including:

• Doctor appointments
• Lab work and testing
• Preventive services
• Outpatient procedures
• Durable medical equipment

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is approximately $185 per month, although higher income earners may pay more.

Medicare Part D

Part D helps cover prescription medications.

These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and help cover prescription drug costs based on a list of covered medications called a formulary.

What is Medicare Supplement, Medicare Supplemental, or Medigap?

Many people refer to this coverage using different names.

You may hear it called:

• Medicare Supplement Insurance
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance
• Medigap

These generally refer to the same type of coverage.

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and help cover some of the costs Medicare does not fully pay.

This may include:

• Deductibles
• Copayments
• Coinsurance

Because Original Medicare does not have a cap on out-of-pocket medical costs, many people review Medicare Supplement plans to help manage potential healthcare expenses.

What Medicare Supplement plans are common in Florida?

While several standardized Medicare Supplement plans exist, the most commonly selected plans in Florida include:

Plan G

Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans.

It helps cover most out-of-pocket costs not paid by Medicare except for the Part B deductible.

Many people choose Plan G because it offers strong coverage and predictable out-of-pocket costs.

Plan N

Plan N is another commonly chosen option.

It may have lower monthly premiums compared to Plan G but typically includes:

• Small copays for doctor visits
• Possible copays for emergency room visits

Some people choose Plan N if they are comfortable with occasional copays in exchange for a lower premium.

High Deductible Plan G

High Deductible Plan G works similar to Plan G but requires you to meet a higher annual deductible before the plan begins paying.

Because of this higher deductible, the monthly premium is often much lower than traditional Plan G.

Some people choose this option because it can provide strong protection in higher-cost medical situations while keeping monthly premiums lower.

Plan F

Plan F was historically one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans.

However, Plan F is no longer available to individuals who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

People who were eligible for Medicare before that date may still be able to enroll in Plan F depending on their situation.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

These plans provide another way to receive Medicare benefits and generally include:

• Hospital coverage
• Medical coverage

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage depending on the plan.

Plan availability and benefits vary by location.

How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare is not completely free, and several different costs may apply depending on the coverage you choose.

Medicare Part A

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Medicare Part B

For 2026, the standard Part B premium is approximately $185 per month, although higher income earners may pay more.

Medicare Supplement / Medigap Plans

Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private insurance companies.

Monthly premiums vary depending on:

• Age
• Location
• Plan type
• Insurance company

In many areas, these plans often range between $100 and $250 per month, depending on the plan selected.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Some Medicare Advantage plans may have low or $0 monthly premiums, although you must still pay your Medicare Part B premium.

These plans typically include copayments or cost sharing when healthcare services are used.

How does Medicare work for Veterans?

Many Veterans and military families have additional healthcare coverage through the VA healthcare system, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA.

Because of this, it is common to have questions about how these programs work alongside Medicare.

VA Healthcare and Medicare

VA healthcare and Medicare are separate programs.

VA coverage generally applies when receiving care at VA facilities or VA-approved providers.

Some Veterans choose to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B so they have additional options for receiving care outside the VA system.

TRICARE for Life and Medicare

Military retirees with TRICARE for Life typically must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

When both are in place:

• Medicare generally pays first
• TRICARE for Life acts as secondary coverage

This coordination may help reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

CHAMPVA and Medicare

CHAMPVA provides healthcare coverage for certain spouses and dependents of Veterans.

If a CHAMPVA beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare, they are generally required to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility.

In many situations:

• Medicare pays first
• CHAMPVA may pay second

When should you enroll in Medicare?

For most people, the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare begins three months before their 65th birthday, includes their birth month, and continues for three months after.

This seven-month window is called the Initial Enrollment Period.

Missing this window may result in late enrollment penalties, depending on the situation.

Why talk with a local Medicare agent?

Medicare plans can vary depending on:

• Where you live
• Which doctors you see
• Which medications you take

Working with a licensed Medicare agent can help you review the plans available in your area.

At Preferred Insurance, we help clients:

• Review Medicare plan options
• Compare available plans
• Check doctor networks
• Review prescription coverage

Our goal is simply to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.