Medigap Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida

Do I choose Medigap Plan G or Medicare Advantage?

After years of helping overwhelmed people navigate this decision, I can confidently say that Medigap Plan G is the better choice compared to a Medicare Advantage plan.

A lot of people in Florida are drawn to Medicare Advantage because of its extra benefits and lower premiums. But if you value flexibility and comprehensive coverage, Plan G wins.

So, let’s break it all down in this article and get a better understanding of why Plan G is my top choice.

I'll review:

• How Medigap Plan G works
• How Medicare Advantage works
• A coverage/benefits comparison
• A copay comparison
• Member satisfaction
• Why Plan G is my #1 pick

We'll start off with looking closely at the differences in coverage between the two plans.

How Does Medigap Plan G Work?

Medigap Plan G is a top choice for Medicare Supplement insurance in Florida, offering great value and the most comprehensive coverage.

Designed to fill the “gaps” left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Plan G helps minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

What Plan G Covers

‍Plan G covers nearly all Medicare-approved costs, including:

• Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)
• Part B coinsurance or copayment
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)
• 100% of Part B excess charges

The only out-of-pocket expense not covered by Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible, which in 2025 is $257. Once that’s paid, Plan G steps in to cover virtually all other Medicare-approved costs.

Monthly premiums for Plan G in Florida can vary based on factors such as age, gender, tobacco use, and location, but typically range from $150 to $250 per month.

Some areas and carriers may offer lower or higher premiums depending on underwriting and available discounts.

Policyholders love the flexibility of Plan G, which lets them see any doctor or specialist across the country who accepts Medicare - no referrals needed.

With great coverage, the freedom to choose providers, and solid financial protection, Medigap Plan G is a top choice for Medicare beneficiaries in Florida.

How Does Medicare Advantage Work?

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) covers everything that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers, but it does so through a private insurance company approved by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage covers:

• Part A: Hospital insurance
  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility care (limited)
  • Hospice care (still covered by Original Medicare, even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan)
  • Home health care (limited)
• Part B: Medical insurance
  • Doctor visits
  • Outpatient care
  • Preventive services (e.g., flu shots, screenings)
  • Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits not included in Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, hearing, gym memberships, transportation to medical appointments, and an OTC allowance for health items.

While it may appear attractive with these added benefits, many seniors find the trade-offs to be less than favorable once they experience the limitations firsthand.

Why We Don't Recommend Medicare Advantage

With Medicare Advantage, beneficiaries are often required to use a network of doctors and hospitals, meaning access to care can be restricted - especially for those who travel or split time between states.

Unlike Original Medicare paired with a Medigap plan, Medicare Advantage often involves referrals, prior authorizations, and more red tape just to get the care you need. This can lead to delays in treatment and increased frustration.

Another common concern is unexpected out-of-pocket costs. While these plans may have lower upfront premiums, they can come with copays, coinsurance, and high maximum out-of-pocket limits that catch people off guard - especially if they face a serious health issue.

In short, Medicare Advantage may work for some, but many beneficiaries ultimately prefer the freedom, predictability, and broader provider access of Original Medicare combined with a Medigap plan.

Real-Life Consequences of Medicare Advantage Plan Losses in Florida

These real-life events illustrate the importance of reviewing Medicare Advantage options critically.

1. Widespread Plan Cancellations During AEP 2024

• Thousands Forced to Find New Coverage: Major insurers scaled back their Medicare Advantage offerings going into 2024–2025, resulting in widespread plan discontinuations. Humana, for example, announced it will stop offering plans in 13 counties for 2025, affecting about 560,000 members. CVS/Aetna similarly projected losing up to 10% of its MA enrollees as it exited unprofitable plans.
• 1.8 Million Members Losing Plans: In total, an estimated 1.8 million Medicare Advantage members nationwide were enrolled in 2024 plans that will not be offered in 2025. This includes many Floridians who received non-renewal notices during the Annual Election Period (AEP). Those members had to scramble to choose alternative coverage during AEP or risk being automatically switched to Original Medicare (with no drug plan) in 2025.
• Florida Impact – “Find New Coverage”: Florida’s large senior population was hit hard by these pullbacks. Insurance agents in the state warned that more people than usual would have to find new coverage for 2025 because their insurer had ended a plan or left their market. In other words, many Florida seniors who were happy with their 2024 MA-PD plan couldn’t simply keep it – they had to navigate confusing new options to avoid gaps in care. Local news outlets urged beneficiaries to review their plan notices carefully so they wouldn’t be caught by surprise on January 1st.

2. Disrupted Access to Doctors and Care

• Jacksonville – Loss of Primary Care Doctors: In Northeast Florida, Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage members at Baptist Health suddenly lost in-network access to their primary care physicians. As part of a new contract effective Oct. 1, 2024, Baptist Health’s primary care doctors were dropped from Florida Blue’s MA network. Patients only discovered the change when trying to schedule appointments, leading to confusion and frustration.
• Southwest Florida – Network Cuts: In late 2024, Florida Blue and Lee Health mutually agreed to remove Lee Health’s primary care physicians from Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage network for 2025. Likewise, about 6,000 Florida Blue MA members lost access to NCH Healthcare System’s primary care doctors as of Jan. 1, 2025.
• Cigna Plan Discontinuation: Cigna announced it will discontinue its individual Medicare Advantage PPO plan in Florida for 2025. Approximately 600 Naples-area seniors were affected.

3. Prescription Coverage Gaps and Medication Issues

• Formulary Changes and Gaps: Each year, plans revise formularies - they can drop covered drugs or change pharmacy networks. If you don’t actively choose a new drug plan, your coverage may renew even if it no longer covers needed prescriptions.
• Higher Drug Deductibles in 2025: Drug costs are rising. In 2025, nearly half of MA-PD enrollees who previously had no deductible will now face one.

4. Beneficiary Confusion, Hardship, and Criticism of Medicare Advantage

• “Chaos and Confusion” During Enrollment: The 2024 AEP created chaos and confusion for many of the 34 million Medicare Advantage enrollees.
• Misleading Marketing Worsening the Problem: CMS received nearly 40,000 complaints about deceptive Medicare Advantage marketing in 2022, up from 15,000 in 2020.
• Florida Voices Sound the Alarm: In Jacksonville, Mike Harper—a former agent with terminal cancer—warned seniors about MA plans, noting they may not be able to get out of a plan once sick.

Medigap Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage in Florida: Coverage Comparison

One of the great things about being covered by a Medigap plan is it doesn't require prior authorizations. Plus, you can pick any healthcare provider in across the entire US who accepts Original Medicare; no referrals are needed.

Here is a more detailed look at the main coverage differences between Medigap Plan G and Medicare Advantage plans in Florida:

Medigap Plan G offers nationwide provider access without referrals or prior authorizations, giving you true freedom to choose your doctors. While monthly premiums are higher (around $150–$250), it covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs after the small Medicare Part B deductible - no copays, no coinsurance, and predictable expenses.

Medicare Advantage may seem cheaper with lower or $0 premiums, but it comes with higher out-of-pocket costs, restricted networks, and limited enrollment windows. You may also face referrals and authorization hurdles.

Although Advantage plans often bundle extras like dental or vision, Medigap Plan G delivers stronger, more reliable coverage - especially for those who travel or want to avoid unexpected medical bills.

Medigap Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage in Florida: Copay Comparison

With Medigap Plan G, you won't have to pay any copays when you visit a doctor or specialist. After you meet the Part B deductible once a year, all costs are covered at 100%.

This is very different from a Medicare Advantage plan, where copayments are required for each visit.

Here's a breakdown of exactly what that looks like:

Medigap Plan G = No Copays, No Surprises

With Medigap Plan G, once you meet your small annual Part B deductible, you pay $0 for doctor visits, hospital stays, ER visits, outpatient services, and surgery. It’s a simple, predictable approach to healthcare - no copays, no guessing, and no added bills after every appointment.

In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans charge copays for nearly every type of care. These can add up quickly: $20 for a primary care visit, $100 for the ER, and $350 per day for hospital stays, depending on the plan.

Although Advantage plans typically include prescription coverage, the trade-off is constant out-of-pocket expenses. For those who value full coverage and financial peace of mind, Medigap Plan G is the clear winner.

Medicare Advantage Plans: Member Satisfaction

Are Medicare Advantage plan members happy?

Not in my experience.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about Medicare Advantage plans is the restricted provider networks. These plans often operate like HMOs or PPOs, which means you’re required to see in-network providers or face higher costs for out-of-network care.

Additionally, while Medicare Advantage plans offer lower premiums, the trade-off is often higher out-of-pocket costs for those who need regular or complex medical care. You may face copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that can add up quickly, particularly for unexpected health issues.

Another frustration with Medicare Advantage is that plan benefits can change annually. This means the doctors in your network, your coverage limits, and even the costs associated with your plan can fluctuate each year. I’ve seen many people struggle with these unexpected changes.

Medigap Plans: Member Satisfaction

Medicare Supplement plans are consistently rated highly for member satisfaction, ranking as one of the top healthcare options for seniors. People love the peace of mind, predictable costs, and the freedom to choose their own doctors and hospitals.  .

Unlike other types of coverage, Medigap plans help eliminate surprise out-of-pocket expenses, making it easier and less stressful to manage healthcare budgets.  

Members also appreciate how simple the benefits are. With standardized plans and nationwide acceptance, it’s clear what’s covered. Many enrollees stick with the same plan year after year, which says a lot about their confidence in it.  

Overall, Medicare Supplement plans are known for strong financial protection and providing a reliable, positive experience for the people who count on them.

Why Medigap Plan G Is My Top Pick in Florida

#1. No prior authorizations

Medigap Plan G doesn’t require prior authorizations. Prior authorizations always equal delayed care.

‍Here's a real-life scenario:

You're in the hospital with chest pain, and the medical team is working to diagnose the issue. With a Medicare Advantage plan, the doctor's orders for tests might be denied or require prior authorization, potentially causing delays of hours or even days while waiting for insurance approval.

Medigap Plan G operates differently. Original Medicare serves as the primary payer, with the Medigap plan acting as secondary, resulting in no delays.

#2. Predictable costs

Plan G offers predictable costs. Once you’ve met the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), Plan G covers virtually all your medical expenses—no surprise copays or unexpected bills. Everything from hospital stays to outpatient services is covered.

#3. Network freedom

One of the greatest benefits of Medigap Plan G is the freedom it gives you when choosing healthcare providers. With Plan G, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States.

#4. Long-term satisfaction

Over the years, I’ve seen many people switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, and the reason is often dissatisfaction with network limitations and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

While Medicare Advantage plans may initially attract you with extra perks like dental or vision coverage, these plans can become a hassle when it comes to receiving the care you actually need.

With Medigap Plan G, there’s no guesswork involved. You get comprehensive coverage and peace of mind knowing your healthcare costs will remain stable.

Most people who switch to Plan G are far happier with their choice in the long run.

Bottom Line

I would 100% recommend Medigap Plan G to anyone in Florida.

Yes, the premiums may be higher than Medicare Advantage, but the long-term benefits—like not being tied to a network or prior authorizations, and avoiding surprise medical bills—make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re exploring your Medicare options, I’m happy to help you compare plans and providers to make sure you find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation | Medicare.gov