Comprehensive Medicare coverage tailored to your healthcare needs and budget. Licensed agent Matthew Vallier guides you through every option — no cost, no obligation. Established 2021, licensed in 27 states, representing 17+ carriers.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Created in 1965, Medicare now covers over 67 million Americans nationwide, with Florida ranking second in the country for total Medicare beneficiaries at more than 4.7 million enrollees.
Medicare is your foundation for healthcare in retirement, but it does not cover everything. Original Medicare leaves you responsible for 20% of outpatient costs with no annual out-of-pocket maximum — meaning a single hospital stay, surgery, or cancer diagnosis could result in thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in bills. That is exactly why supplemental coverage is essential.
Original Medicare consists of four parts, and understanding how they work together is the key to avoiding surprise medical bills and choosing the right coverage path:
Medicare eligibility is based on age, disability status, or specific medical conditions. You qualify for Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria:
Florida’s large retiree population means the state has a robust Medicare infrastructure with extensive provider networks, numerous plan options, and competitive pricing. Broward County alone — where Coral Springs is located — has dozens of Medicare Advantage plans available each year, giving beneficiaries a wide range of choices.
Medicare enrollment has specific windows. Missing them can mean penalties that last for life.
Your IEP is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is the most important enrollment window because it is your best opportunity to enroll without penalties or medical underwriting for Medigap plans. Sign up for Part A and Part B during this window.
October 15 through December 7 each year. Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa), change Medicare Advantage plans, or switch Part D prescription drug plans. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year. Matt Vallier reviews every client’s coverage annually during AEP.
January 1 through March 31 each year. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare. You can also enroll in a standalone Part D plan if you switch back to Original Medicare.
Triggered by qualifying life events: losing employer coverage, moving to a new service area, losing Medicaid eligibility, qualifying for Extra Help, entering or leaving a nursing facility. Most SEPs last 60 days. If you are still working at 65 with employer coverage, you get an 8-month SEP after you leave.
January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1. This is for people who missed their IEP and do not have a qualifying SEP. Late enrollment penalties for Part B (10% per 12-month period delayed) will apply permanently.
Lasts 6 months, starting the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting to deny you a Medigap policy or charge you more because of health conditions. This is a one-time window.
Two paths to filling the gaps in Original Medicare. The right choice depends on how you use healthcare, where you travel, and what matters most to you.
Standardized federal plans that cover what Original Medicare does not. Same benefits regardless of which insurance company you choose — only the premium differs.
Requires a separate Part D plan. Premiums: $100 to $300/month.
All-in-one plans from private insurers that replace Original Medicare. Often include benefits Original Medicare does not cover.
Requires in-network providers. Benefits vary by county and change annually.
Not sure which path is right? Matt Vallier compares both options side by side based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget — at no cost.
Compare My OptionsMedigap plans are standardized — Plan G from Aetna covers the exact same things as Plan G from Mutual of Omaha. Only the premium differs.
Most popular Medigap plan in Florida
You pay only the Part B deductible ($257/year). After that, Plan G covers everything.
Lower premium alternative to Plan G
Best for people who want lower premiums and do not mind small copays.
Lowest Medigap premium available
Catastrophic protection at the lowest monthly cost.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that it covers everything. It does not. Understanding these gaps is essential for building a complete healthcare safety net in retirement. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover:
Many gaps can be addressed through Medicare Advantage plans (dental, vision, hearing included), standalone supplemental policies, or long-term care insurance. Matt Vallier builds a complete coverage strategy that addresses every gap.
If you are still working at age 65 and have health insurance through your employer, you have important decisions to make. How Medicare coordinates depends on your employer’s size:
This is one of the most common areas where people make costly mistakes. Matt Vallier works with clients well before their 65th birthday to create a clear enrollment plan.
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is a surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years ago exceeds certain thresholds. Many Florida retirees are surprised because it is based on income from their last working years, not retirement income.
Matt Vallier helps clients understand total Medicare costs including IRMAA and advises on when to file the SSA-44 appeal.
Missing your enrollment window adds permanent surcharges to your premiums for life.
10% per year
For each 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not sign up, your premium increases by 10% permanently. Delay 3 years = 30% higher premiums for life. On $185/month, that is $666/year extra — forever.
1% per month
For each month without creditable drug coverage, your Part D premium increases by 1% of the base premium. Permanent. Delay 24 months = 24% higher premiums. The base premium rises annually, so the penalty amount grows over time.
These penalties are completely avoidable with proper planning. Call Matt Vallier to build your enrollment plan.
Call (561) 206-3402Use our certified HealthSherpa portal for easy Medicare enrollment. Compare plans, check if your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and enroll — all in one place.
Enroll Now via HealthSherpa →Or call Matt at (561) 206-3402. Toll-free: 1-800-346-7180
As an independent agency licensed in 27 states representing 17+ carriers, we shop the entire market on your behalf.
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage with broad South Florida networks. Competitive Plan G and Plan N rates in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Medigap plans with competitive rates for healthy applicants. Excellent customer service and strong financial stability ratings.
One of Florida’s largest Medicare Advantage carriers. Extensive HMO/PPO options with dental, vision, hearing, SilverSneakers, and generous OTC allowances. Many $0-premium MAPD plans in Broward County.
Nation’s largest Medicare insurer. AARP Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. Renew Active fitness program, extensive PPO networks, household Medigap discounts.
Affordable Medicare Advantage and Part D plans with strong Broward/Palm Beach presence. Low-premium HMO options with dental, vision, hearing, and transportation. Part of Centene Corporation.
Personalized care coordination with dedicated care guides. $0 premium plans in select Florida counties. High member satisfaction ratings.
Top-rated Medigap carrier with the most competitive Plan G and Plan N rates in Florida. Household discount for spouses. A+ AM Best rating.
Honest answers to the questions people actually ask about Medicare in Florida.