Independent Medicare Insurance Broker Serving Tampa Bay and Orlando, Florida

Answers to the most common Medicare questions from Tampa Bay and Orlando area residents — from a local broker with 16 years of experience.

What are my Medicare plan options in Tampa Bay and the Orlando area?

Medicare beneficiaries in Tampa Bay and the Orlando area have two main coverage paths:

1. Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) — Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers 80% of most medical costs. A Medigap policy, such as Plan G or Plan N, covers most or all of the remaining 20%, with no network restrictions. You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. A standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan is added separately to cover your medications.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C) — A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Parts A, B, and usually prescription drug coverage into one plan. Medicare Advantage plans often include dental, vision, and hearing benefits not covered by Original Medicare, but typically require using an in-network provider.

Timothy Gibson helps residents across Tampa Bay and the Orlando area compare both options side-by-side at no cost. Call 813-501-5011 or schedule a free consultation.

When do I sign up for Medicare?

You become eligible for Medicare at age 65 — or earlier if you qualify due to a disability or certain medical conditions. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Missing this window without other qualifying coverage may result in a late enrollment penalty.

Key Medicare enrollment deadlines in 2026:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7, 2026
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, 2026
• Medigap Open Enrollment: 6-month window beginning when you enroll in Medicare Part B

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one private plan. These plans often have low or $0 monthly premiums but include copays, deductibles, and network restrictions. Most are HMO or PPO plans.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover your out-of-pocket costs. Plan G covers nearly everything Original Medicare doesn’t pay, except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan N covers the same costs but with small copays in exchange for lower monthly premiums.

The right choice depends on your health, how often you see doctors, your preferred hospitals, and your budget. Timothy Gibson provides a free side-by-side comparison for Tampa Bay and Orlando area residents.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist with Medicare?

With Original Medicare + Medigap, no referral is ever required. You can see any specialist in the country who accepts Medicare.

With Medicare Advantage HMO plans, you typically need a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist. Medicare Advantage PPO plans allow you to see specialists without a referral, though staying in-network usually costs less.

How much does Medicare cost in 2026?

Standard Medicare costs in 2026:

• Part A (hospital): $0 premium for most people (requires 40+ quarters of work history)
• Part B (medical): $185.00/month standard premium
• Part A deductible: $1,676 per benefit period
• Part B deductible: $257/year
• Part B coinsurance: 20% of covered services after the deductible

Medicare Advantage and Medigap premiums vary by plan, carrier, age, and location. Timothy Gibson provides free premium comparisons across all major carriers serving Tampa Bay and the Orlando area.

Can I keep my current doctors if I switch Medicare plans?

It depends on the plan type:

• Original Medicare + Medigap: You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — nationwide. No network restrictions.
• Medicare Advantage HMO: You must use the plan’s network. Switching plans may require finding new doctors.
• Medicare Advantage PPO: You can see out-of-network providers but pay more. In-network care is less expensive.

Before switching any Medicare plan, Timothy Gibson verifies that your current doctors and preferred hospitals — including Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital, BayCare facilities, and Orlando Health — are covered under any plan you’re considering.

Is there a Medicare plan that covers dental, vision, and hearing?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. However, many Medicare Advantage plans in Tampa Bay and the Orlando area include these benefits at no additional premium. If you prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, standalone dental and vision coverage is available from several carriers.

Why should I use a local Medicare broker instead of going directly to an insurance company?

A local independent broker like Timothy Gibson:

• Compares plans across 17 carriers simultaneously — saving you time and preventing costly mistakes
• Has no financial incentive to recommend one carrier over another
• Provides ongoing support — not just at enrollment, but throughout the year
• Understands the local healthcare landscape, including which plans work best with major area hospitals and physician networks across Tampa Bay and the Orlando area
• Costs you nothing — broker commissions are paid by the insurance company, not by you

How do I get started with Medicare in Tampa Bay or the Orlando area?

Call Timothy Gibson at 813-501-5011 or schedule a free consultation online. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. He’ll review your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you enroll in the plan that fits your life. Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Sarasota, Hernando, Desoto, and Manatee counties.