Medicare Supplement, FAQ - Florida Health Agents

Medicare Supplement Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is a private health insurance policy designed to help pay some or all of the costs that are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.

Who is eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. Medigap policies cover one person, so spouses each need their own policy.

When can I apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

The best time to buy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This 6-month period starts the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During it, an insurance company cannot refuse to sell you any Medigap policy it offers or charge you more because of your health. If you apply after this period, the company may be able to use medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. If you have Medicare before 65 because of a disability or ESRD, you get a Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65.

Does Medicare Supplement coverage include prescription drug benefits?

No, Medicare Supplement is designed to fill in the “gaps” with Medicare Plans such as Part A (which covers hospital and skilled nursing facility care) and Part B (which covers doctor bills and other medical expenses). For prescription drug coverage, you can select a separate Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Can I enroll if I do not have Medicare Parts A or B?

No. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. To learn how to sign up for Part A and Part B, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit ssa.gov. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

Does Everyone Need a Medicare Supplement Policy?

Not everyone needs a Medicare Supplement policy. You probably do not need one if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy while you have one), if Medicaid or the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program pays your Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, or if you have group health coverage from current employment.

What if I (or my spouse) plan to work after age 65 and continue receiving group health care benefits?

Check with your group plan administrator. You may be able to choose either your group plan or Medicare plus Medicare Supplement coverage. If you stay with your group health care plan, a Special Enrollment Period lets you delay purchasing Part B until you need it.

Will I need to switch doctors if I enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan?

No, you may continue to see your own doctor. Medicare Supplement plans are convenient and flexible, giving you freedom of choice.

Can I see a specialist whenever I want?

Yes. Medicare Supplement plans do not require referrals, so you can see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. Your costs can be lower if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment.

What percent of Florida doctors accept Medicare assignment?

About 9 out of 10. In the Medicare enrollment data CMS publishes for Care Compare (Doctors and Clinicians national file, updated August 2026), 88.8% of the 113,910 Medicare-enrolled clinicians in Florida are listed as accepting Medicare assignment. Among physicians (MDs and DOs) the rate is 94.5%, among primary care doctors it is 93.1%, and among surgeons it is 94.7%. The rest are listed as "may accept," meaning they decide claim by claim. Doctors who have opted out of Medicare entirely are not in this data.

Why it matters: a doctor who accepts assignment takes the Medicare-approved amount as full payment, so you owe only your normal share. A doctor who does not can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount (an "excess charge"). Medicare Supplement Plan G covers that excess charge. Plan N does not, and Plan N also has copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not lead to admission. If you stay with doctors who accept assignment, Plan N can save money on premiums. You can check any doctor at medicare.gov/care-compare.

Source: CMS Doctors and Clinicians national downloadable file, each clinician counted once.