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Medicare FAQMedicare Open Enrollment FAQ

Medicare’s health and prescription-drug plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period to ensure your plan still meets your needs. 

We encourage you to research health insurance options carefully to ensure you can use the full benefits of the plan and receive care from the doctor and hospital of your choice.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment typically runs October through December each year.

During that time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage. Typical changes include switching back to Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare); joining a Medicare Advantage Plan; switching from one plan to another; or joining or changing prescription drug plans.

This year's Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7, 2024. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Need Help?

 

For assistance with health insurance issues, contact SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained SHINE volunteers can provide free, one-on-one counseling and information. For help, call SHINE at 1-800-963-5337 or visit floridashine.org.

To learn more about Medicare, visit medicare.gov, or call 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE ).

SMH’s Accepted Health Insurance Plans

First Physicians Group Accepted Health Insurance Plans

Which Medicare plans are contracted with BOTH Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group?

Original Medicare — Sarasota Memorial's Hospitals, outpatient and urgent care centers, and its First Physician Group practices always accept all Original Medicare and Medicare/Medigap standard supplemental plans.

Medicare Advantage — The vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans are HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care from a specific local provider network. Sarasota Memorial's hospitals, outpatient and urgent care centers and First Physicians Group practices will be in-network with the following Medicare Advantage plans as of January 1, 2025:

  • Aetna
  • Florida Blue
  • Florida Complete Care
  • Freedom Health*
  • Optimum Healthcare*
  • Simply
  • United Healthcare
  • Wellcare
    *Note: These plans are in-netowrk with SMH and FPG Specialists only

Medicare Select — We are not a network provider for Medicare Select supplemental plans. Medicare Select members may choose Sarasota Memorial for their care, but depending on your plan’s benefits, you may be responsible for the Part A deductible for non-emergency hospital care. 

Click here for more information on Medicare plans.

* This information is not a solicitation and is not intended to persuade you to make any changes to your relationship with any health insurer. *