Question 1

What Medicare plans are available in St. Augustine for 2026?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

St. Augustine and St. Johns County residents have access to 26+ Medicare Advantage plans and a full range of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans for 2026. Carriers include Humana, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and WellCare. William Gray compares every plan available in your ZIP code at no cost to you.

Question 2

Does Flagler Hospital accept Medicare Advantage?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Flagler Hospital — St. Augustine's primary medical center — is included in most Medicare Advantage networks serving St. Johns County. However, network participation can change year to year. William verifies hospital and provider network status before recommending any plan.

Question 3

Are there $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — several $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans are available in St. Johns County for 2026. You still pay your Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/mo in 2026), but the plan itself charges nothing extra. Many plans also include dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter allowances.

Question 4

What is the best Medicare plan for St. Augustine snowbirds?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

For St. Augustine seniors who split time between Florida and another state, Medigap Plan G is typically the best option. It covers you at any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide — no network restrictions, no prior authorizations. If you prefer Medicare Advantage, a PPO plan offers more flexibility than an HMO when traveling.

Question 5

Is Medigap or Medicare Advantage better for St. Augustine seniors?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

It depends on your health needs, budget, and lifestyle. Medigap Plan G offers near-complete coverage with no network restrictions — ideal for active seniors and travelers. Medicare Advantage often has $0 premiums with extra benefits like dental and vision. William compares both options side by side for your specific situation.

Question 6

Does Medicare cover dental and vision in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. However, many Medicare Advantage plans in St. Johns County include these benefits. If you have Medigap, you'll need a separate standalone dental and vision plan. William can recommend options for both.

Question 7

What is Medicare Part D and do I need it in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. If you choose Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you'll need a standalone Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. Skipping Part D when first eligible — without other creditable drug coverage — results in a permanent late enrollment penalty.

Question 8

What is Medigap Plan G and is it available in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new enrollees. It covers the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026), Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance ($217/day for days 21–100), and foreign travel emergencies. The only cost not covered is the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Plan G is widely available in St. Johns County.

Question 9

Can I keep my St. Augustine doctors if I switch to Medicare Advantage?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

It depends on the plan. HMO plans require in-network providers. PPO plans allow out-of-network care at a higher cost. Before recommending any plan, William verifies your specific doctors — including your primary care physician and any specialists — are in-network.

Question 10

Does Medicare cover care at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for St. Augustine residents?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville accepts Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage coverage at Mayo Clinic varies by plan — some plans include it in-network, others do not. If access to Mayo Clinic is important to you, William identifies which plans in St. Johns County include Mayo Clinic in their network.

Question 11

When should I enroll in Medicare if I'm turning 65 in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after. Enrolling in the first 3 months ensures coverage starts on your birthday month. William recommends starting the process 3–4 months before your 65th birthday.

Question 12

What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying reason results in a permanent late enrollment penalty. The Part B penalty is 10% added to your premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. The Part D penalty is 1% per month without creditable drug coverage — both are permanent.

Question 13

Can I delay Medicare if I'm still working at 65 in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — if you're covered by an employer group health plan through an employer with 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B without penalty. You have 8 months from when that coverage ends to enroll. COBRA and retiree plans do NOT count as qualifying coverage for this purpose.

Question 14

When is Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch back to Original Medicare, or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.

Question 15

I just moved to St. Augustine. Can I change my Medicare plan?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — moving to a new service area triggers a Special Enrollment Period. You have up to 2 months after your move to switch to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan available in St. Johns County. William handles these transitions for new St. Augustine residents regularly.

Question 16

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

From January 1 through March 31 each year, Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan. This period cannot be used to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage.

Question 17

How much does Medicare cost in St. Augustine, FL?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Most people pay $0 for Medicare Part A (if you worked 40+ quarters). Part B costs $202.90/month in 2026. Medicare Advantage plans in St. Johns County range from $0 to ~$34/month. Medigap Plan G runs approximately $90–$180/month for a 65-year-old. Part D drug plans start around $15–$30/month.

Question 18

Is William Gray's Medicare service really free?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — completely free to you. William is compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll through him. You pay the exact same premium whether you enroll through William or directly with the carrier. No hidden fees, no markups, no obligation.

Question 19

Can William help me lower my Medicare costs in St. Augustine?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. William reviews your current plan against every available option in St. Johns County each year. Many St. Augustine seniors are overpaying for coverage they don't need, or on plans where their medications are on a higher tier than necessary. A plan switch during Annual Enrollment can save hundreds per year.

Question 20

What is IRMAA and could it affect my Medicare premiums?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

IRMAA is a surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds $106,000/year (individual) in 2026. It is based on your tax return from two years prior. If your income has recently dropped due to retirement, you can appeal the IRMAA determination. William can walk you through the process.

Question 21

Are there programs to help St. Augustine seniors afford Medicare?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help low-income seniors pay Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. Extra Help can significantly reduce Part D drug costs. William can connect you with St. Johns County resources to apply for these programs.

Question 22

Is Nocatee covered by Medicare Advantage plans?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — Nocatee residents have access to the full St. Johns County Medicare market, with many $0-premium plan options and strong provider networks. Nocatee's rapid growth has attracted more carriers to the St. Johns County market, giving residents excellent plan choices.

Question 23

Does William Gray serve St. Augustine and St. Johns County?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Yes — William serves all of St. Johns County including St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, World Golf Village, Nocatee, and surrounding areas. He is available by phone, video call, or in-person appointment.

Question 24

Why should I use an independent broker instead of calling Medicare directly?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

Medicare itself doesn't sell plans. When you call a carrier's 800 number, you only hear about that carrier's plans. William is independent, representing 60+ carriers. He compares every plan available in your ZIP code and recommends the one that fits your specific doctors, medications, and budget — not a sales quota.

Question 25

Will William help me every year, or just when I first enroll?

William Gray · Accepted Answer

William provides ongoing service. Every fall before Annual Enrollment, he proactively reviews your plan against every available option and alerts you if a better plan exists. He's also available year-round for questions, coverage issues, and billing disputes with your insurance carrier.

Medicare Plans in St. Augustine, Florida

Medicare in St. Augustine — What You Need to Know

Medicare Plans Available in St. Augustine

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Part D

Turning 65 in St. Augustine

Why St. Augustine Seniors Choose William Gray

Serving All St. Augustine Neighborhoods

Medicare Questions from St. Augustine Seniors