You may not have considered your vacation plans when choosing healthcare coverage. But knowing if you will be away from home and for how long is an important consideration as you choose a Medicare plan or re-evaluate your Medicare coverage.

Open enrollment, beginning October 15, is the time to ask whether your Medicare plan still works for you.

Some Medicare plans don’t provide for coverage beyond the county or state where you live. That may be a concern for Florida snowbirds or anyone who travels a lot. If you spend a good portion of the year somewhere other than Florida, you have some decisions to make.

Coverage Options For Travelers:

  • Original Medicare is available nationwide. You can see any doctor or go to any facility that accepts Medicare and new patients. In most cases, you don’t need a referral.
  • Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, are also available. The plans are operated by private insurers and most offer nationwide coverage. Most plans help pay some of the health care costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copays, co-insurance, and deductibles.
  • Medicare Advantage plans are another option. Like Medigap plans, they are operated by private insurers. However, this type of plan may not travel with you. For example, if you buy a Medicare Advantage plan in Florida and then go to New York, you may not be covered unless it’s a life-threatening emergency. Check your plan for coverage details.

Every plan is different, so it is important to check and compare your coverage options carefully.


For more information, call 1-941-405-3900.

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