Retirement Planning in St. Augustine, FL
St. Johns County is one of Florida's most desirable retirement destinations. Medicare is a cornerstone of your retirement plan — and getting it right can save you thousands. William Gray helps St. Augustine retirees understand their true healthcare costs and choose coverage that fits their budget.
2026 Medicare Cost Reference for St. Augustine Retirees
Medicare Part B Premium
Standard 2026 rate; higher with IRMAA
Medigap Plan G (Volusia County)
Estimate for age 65; varies by carrier
Medicare Advantage (Volusia County)
Many $0-premium plans available
Part D Drug Plan
Depends on your medications
Part A (Hospital)
Free if you worked 40+ quarters
IRMAA Surcharge (starts at)
Applies if income > $106,000 individual
Medigap and Medicare Advantage premiums are estimates for St. Augustine (St. Johns County). Actual rates vary by carrier, age, and tobacco status.
Key Medicare Considerations for St. Augustine Retirement Planning
Enrollment timing
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties. William helps you identify the right enrollment window for your situation.
IRMAA planning
St. Johns County has a higher median income than most Florida counties — IRMAA planning is especially relevant. Coordinate Roth conversions and IRA withdrawals with your financial advisor and William.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
St. Johns County has excellent Medicare Advantage options. Medigap offers predictable costs. The right choice depends on your health, budget, and how you use healthcare.
Review your Medigap rate periodically
Medigap premiums increase each year. An independent broker can compare your current rate against all available carriers and identify if a lower-cost option may be available to you.
Flagler Hospital & UF Health network
Understanding which Medicare plans have the best network coverage for Flagler Hospital and UF Health St. Johns is important for St. Augustine retirees. William identifies the best-networked plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is St. Augustine a great place to retire?
St. Johns County consistently ranks as one of Florida's best counties for retirees — with top-rated schools (important for grandchildren), low crime, beautiful beaches, world-class golf, and proximity to Jacksonville for specialized medical care. No state income tax and the homestead exemption make it financially attractive as well.
When should I enroll in Medicare when retiring in St. Augustine?
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday. Missing this window can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties. If you're still working with employer coverage, you may be able to delay. William helps St. Augustine retirees navigate the timing.
What is IRMAA and how does it affect St. Augustine retirees?
IRMAA is a Medicare surcharge for higher-income beneficiaries. For 2026, surcharges start at incomes above $106,000 (individual) or $212,000 (married filing jointly). St. Johns County has a higher median income than most Florida counties, so IRMAA planning is especially relevant for St. Augustine retirees.
Should I choose Medicare Advantage or Medigap in St. Augustine?
St. Johns County has excellent Medicare Advantage options, including plans with $0 premiums and fitness benefits. Medigap plans offer more predictable costs — important for retirement budgeting. Retirees who travel frequently or want to see specialists without referrals often prefer Medigap. William compares both options for your specific situation.
Can I switch Medigap carriers to get a lower rate in St. Augustine?
You can apply to switch Medigap carriers at any time, but outside of your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period you will generally need to pass medical underwriting. William reviews his clients' rates and identifies when a lower-cost option may be available.
Plan Your St. Augustine Retirement with Confidence
William helps St. Augustine retirees understand their Medicare options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose coverage that fits their retirement budget. Free service, 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.