The Most Important Medicare Decision You'll Make
Every year, Florida seniors enrolling in Medicare face the same fork in the road: Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplement (Medigap). In 2026, that decision carries more weight than ever — with significant plan changes, new drug pricing rules under the Inflation Reduction Act, and a shifting carrier landscape in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
This guide breaks down both options in plain language, compares them side-by-side, and helps you understand which path makes the most sense for your health needs, budget, and lifestyle.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Instead of using Original Medicare (Parts A and B) directly, you receive all your Medicare benefits through the private plan — plus, in most cases, additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage (Part D).
In Florida, Medicare Advantage plans are extremely popular. According to CMS data, over 60% of Florida Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in an MA plan — one of the highest rates in the nation. Carriers like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Florida Blue dominate the local market.
- Premiums: Many MA plans have $0 monthly premiums (though you still pay your Part B premium)
- Cost-sharing: Copays and coinsurance apply at the point of care
- Networks: HMO plans require in-network providers; PPO plans offer more flexibility
- Drug coverage: Most MA plans include Part D (MAPD)
- Extra benefits: Dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, transportation
- Out-of-pocket maximum: Required by law — protects you from catastrophic costs
What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare. You keep your Medicare Parts A and B, and the Medigap policy pays some or all of the cost-sharing that Original Medicare doesn't cover — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. Plan G and Plan N are the most popular in Florida in 2026. Because they work with Original Medicare, you can see any provider in the country who accepts Medicare — no network restrictions.
- Premiums: Monthly premiums range from $80–$250+ depending on plan and age
- Cost-sharing: Minimal to none, depending on plan letter
- Networks: None — any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
- Drug coverage: NOT included — you must enroll in a separate Part D plan
- Extra benefits: Generally none
- Underwriting: Required outside of initial enrollment windows in most states
Side-by-Side Comparison for 2026
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $0–$80 (typical) | $100–$250+ |
| Out-of-pocket max | $3,000–$8,850 (in-network) | Very low (Plan G: only Part B deductible) |
| Provider network | Restricted (HMO/PPO) | Any Medicare provider nationwide |
| Drug coverage | Usually included | Separate Part D plan required |
| Dental/Vision/Hearing | Often included | Not included |
| Referrals required | HMO: Yes / PPO: No | Never |
| Travel coverage | Limited to network area | Nationwide + some foreign emergency |
| Annual changes | Plan benefits change yearly | Standardized — benefits are stable |
What's Changing in 2026
The 2026 plan year brings several important shifts that affect this comparison:
- Part D drug cost cap: The Inflation Reduction Act caps out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000/year for all Medicare beneficiaries in 2026 — eliminating the catastrophic phase. This reduces one of the traditional advantages of Medigap for high-cost drug users.
- MA plan reductions: Several carriers reduced benefits or exited markets in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Beneficiaries who auto-renew without reviewing may find their plan has changed significantly.
- Medigap rate increases: Florida Medigap premiums increased 4–8% for most carriers in 2026, making the premium gap between MA and Medigap slightly wider.
- Prior authorization scrutiny: CMS has increased oversight of MA prior authorization practices, but delays remain a concern for complex care.
Who Should Choose Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage tends to be a strong fit if you:
- Are generally healthy and don't anticipate frequent specialist visits
- Want $0 or low monthly premiums
- Value extra benefits like dental, vision, and OTC allowances
- Have providers you like who are in-network
- Are comfortable with managed care and referral processes (HMO)
Who Should Choose Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement tends to be a better fit if you:
- Have ongoing health conditions requiring frequent specialist care
- Travel frequently or split time between states
- Want predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
- Prefer freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider without referrals
- Can qualify medically (outside of initial enrollment windows)
The Bottom Line
There is no universally "better" option — the right choice depends on your health, your providers, your budget, and your lifestyle. What matters most is making an informed decision with someone who knows both product types and the local Florida market.
At Integrity Health Solutions, we represent multiple carriers and have no financial incentive to steer you toward one type of plan over another. Our job is to help you understand your options and choose the plan that genuinely fits your life.
Ready to compare your specific options for 2026? Use our 2026 Florida Health Insurance Comparison Tool or book a free consultation with Jill today.
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