It depends on your coverage
| Your coverage | In Florida |
|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) | Works with any provider who accepts Medicare, the same as in Ohio |
| Medigap (Medicare Supplement) | Pays its share wherever Medicare pays (SELECT policies have network rules) |
| Medicare Advantage HMO | Emergencies, urgent care and temporary out-of-area dialysis; routine care generally not covered |
| Medicare Advantage PPO | Out-of-network care with Medicare providers, usually at a higher cost |
| Standalone Part D plan | Network pharmacies in Florida if the plan has them, plus mail order |
Medicare.gov says Original Medicare covers care at any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare anywhere in the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the territories. Your Part B costs are the same in both states: $202.90 a month and a $283 yearly deductible for most people in 2026, then usually 20% coinsurance.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan
Medicare Advantage plans serve a specific area, and every Ohio plan's network is built around Ohio counties. In Florida:
- Emergencies and urgent care are covered.
- Routine care depends on the plan type. HMOs generally require network providers; PPOs usually cover out-of-network Medicare providers at a higher cost.
- The 6-month rule: under 42 CFR 422.74(d)(4)(ii), if you're away from the service area for more than 6 months, the plan must disenroll you, unless it offers a visitor or traveler option that extends this to less than 12 months.
Before a long stay, call your plan and ask what it covers in Florida, whether it has a visitor or traveler option, and how to reach it if you need care.
Before you head south
- Bring your cards. Your red, white and blue Medicare card, plus any Medigap, Medicare Advantage or Part D card.
- Find Florida pharmacies in your Part D network, or set up mail order.
- Forward your mail. Plans can treat returned mail as a sign you're away.
- Plan for 2027. Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2026. If you spend long winters away, compare coverage that works in both states.
Full details are in our guide for Ohio snowbirds and the Ohio vs. Florida comparison. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Can I keep my Ohio Medicare Advantage plan in Florida?
The 6-month rule explained.
Does Ohio Medigap work in Florida?
Why Medigap travels well.
Can I fill prescriptions in Florida?
Part D away from home.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Medicare.gov — HMO plans
- Medicare.gov — PPO plans
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.74, Disenrollment by the MA organization
More questions in this guide
- Can I fill prescriptions in Florida with my Ohio Part D plan?
- Can I keep my Ohio Medicare Advantage plan if I spend winters in Florida?
- Does an Ohio Medigap policy work in Florida?
- Should snowbirds sign up for Medicare in Ohio or Florida?
- What happens to my Medicare if I move from Ohio to Florida for good?
Part of the guide: Ohio snowbirds and Medicare: spending winters in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate Medicare for Florida?
No. Medicare is a federal program, so your Medicare card, Part A and Part B work in every state. Only private plans, such as Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, are sold by state or region.
Will my Medigap policy pay in Florida?
Yes. A standard Medigap policy pays its share wherever Original Medicare pays. Medicare SELECT policies require network hospitals for full benefits outside emergencies, so check yours.
What if I'm in a Medicare Advantage HMO and need a doctor in Florida?
Emergencies and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S. For routine care, most HMOs require network providers, so you'd pay the full cost of a Florida doctor visit unless your plan has a visitor or traveler option.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
