UF Health Florida
& Medicare Coverage
Florida's premier academic health system — UF Health Shands, Jacksonville, The Villages, and Leesburg. Here's what every Medicare beneficiary needs to know about coverage, networks, and prior authorization.
UF Health Florida Campuses
Five major campuses across North and Central Florida — each with different Medicare Advantage network participation.
UF Health Shands Hospital
The flagship academic medical center — one of the largest hospitals in Florida and a nationally ranked teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Florida College of Medicine.
UF Health Jacksonville
UF Health's Jacksonville campus serves Northeast Florida with a Level I Trauma Center and comprehensive specialty care.
UF Health North
A community hospital serving North Jacksonville with UF Health's academic medicine standards.
UF Health Leesburg Hospital
Serves Lake County and The Villages area with full-service inpatient and outpatient care.
UF Health The Villages Hospital
Dedicated to serving the large senior population of The Villages retirement community.
Medicare Coverage at UF Health: What You Need to Know
UF Health and Medicare: Academic Medicine for Florida Seniors
UF Health is Florida's premier academic health system, affiliated with the University of Florida College of Medicine. For Medicare beneficiaries who want access to cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and highly specialized care, UF Health represents a unique resource. Understanding which Medicare plans cover UF Health — and at what cost — is critical before you enroll.
Medicare Advantage Coverage at UF Health
UF Health participates in many Medicare Advantage networks, but coverage varies significantly by campus and by plan. UF Health Shands in Gainesville is included in most plans serving Alachua County. UF Health Jacksonville participates in most Duval County plans. UF Health Leesburg and The Villages Hospital are included in most Lake and Sumter County plans. However, network participation changes annually — always verify before enrolling.
UF Health as a Level I Trauma Center
Both UF Health Shands (Gainesville) and UF Health Jacksonville hold Level I Trauma Center designations — the highest level of trauma care. Medicare law requires all Medicare Advantage plans to cover emergency care at any hospital, including UF Health, regardless of network status. However, post-stabilization inpatient care may be subject to network rules and prior authorization requirements.
Medigap Plans at UF Health: Unrestricted Access
Because UF Health accepts Original Medicare, any Medigap plan gives you full access to all UF Health facilities — with no prior authorization, no referrals, and no network restrictions. Medigap Plan G is the most popular choice for seniors who want unrestricted access to UF Health's specialists and research programs. After the Part B deductible, you pay nothing for Medicare-covered services at any UF Health campus.
UF Health The Villages: Medicare for Retirement Community Residents
UF Health The Villages Hospital was purpose-built to serve the large senior population of The Villages retirement community. For Villages residents, this hospital is a primary care anchor. Most Medicare Advantage plans serving Sumter County include UF Health The Villages in their networks. However, if you want access to UF Health Shands in Gainesville for complex care, verify that your plan covers both campuses.
Prior Authorization at UF Health
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for specialist visits, elective procedures, and certain diagnostic tests at UF Health. This is one of the most significant differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare + Medigap. With Medigap, you can see any UF Health specialist without prior authorization. With Medicare Advantage, your plan may require approval before certain services — a process that can delay care.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap at UF Health
| Factor | Medicare Advantage | Medigap + Original Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Access to UF Health | Depends on plan network | All campuses, no restrictions |
| Prior Authorization | Often required for specialists | Not required |
| Monthly Premium | Some plans with $0 may be available | Typically $100–$250/mo |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | Up to $8,850/year (in-network) | Near-zero with Plan G |
| Referrals Required | HMO: yes; PPO: usually no | Never |
| Clinical Trial Coverage | Varies by plan | Covered by Original Medicare |
| Nationwide Coverage | Network-based (PPO more flexible) | Any Medicare-accepting provider |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UF Health accept Medicare?
Yes — all UF Health campuses accept Original Medicare (Parts A and B). For Medicare Advantage, coverage depends on the specific plan and campus. William verifies UF Health network status for every plan he recommends.
Which Medicare Advantage plans cover UF Health Shands in Gainesville?
Most Medicare Advantage plans serving Alachua County include UF Health Shands in their networks. However, network participation changes annually. William checks current network status before recommending any plan.
Is UF Health The Villages covered by Medicare Advantage?
UF Health The Villages Hospital is included in most Medicare Advantage plans serving Sumter County. For Villages residents, this is typically the primary hospital in their plan's network.
Can I see UF Health specialists without a referral?
With Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you can see any UF Health specialist without a referral or prior authorization. With Medicare Advantage, referral and prior authorization requirements depend on your specific plan (HMO vs. PPO).
What is the best Medicare plan for access to UF Health?
For unrestricted access to all UF Health campuses and specialists, Medigap Plan G is typically the best option. It covers you at any Medicare-accepting provider with no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower premiums but with network and prior authorization requirements.
Does UF Health participate in clinical trials covered by Medicare?
Yes — Medicare covers routine costs associated with qualifying clinical trials at UF Health. This is an important benefit for seniors with complex conditions who want access to cutting-edge treatments.
Important: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to get information on all of your options.
Hospital network participation in Medicare Advantage plans changes annually. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of coverage. Always verify your specific plan's network with the insurance carrier before enrolling. William Gray is an independent licensed insurance agent (FL License #W690237) and is not affiliated with, employed by, or endorsed by any hospital or health system referenced on this page. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
Does Your Plan Cover UF Health?
William Gray verifies UF Health network status for every plan he recommends. Free service — no pressure, no obligation.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to get information on all of your options.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is an advertisement for insurance. William Gray and affiliated licensed agents are independent insurance agents, not government employees or representatives. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
Not all plans or types of coverage may be available in your area. Plan availability, benefits, and premiums vary by county and ZIP code. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. Benefits, premiums, and cost-sharing may change on January 1 of each year.
Independent Agent & Compensation Disclosure. William Gray is an independent licensed insurance agent (FL License #W690237) and is not employed by or exclusively affiliated with any single insurance company. William is compensated by insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan. This compensation does not affect the premium you pay — your premium is the same whether you enroll through a broker or directly with the carrier. Affiliated agents are independent contractors solely responsible for their own conduct and representations.