Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Resources in Bay County, Florida
What Medicare Supplement plans pay in Bay County in 2026, with cost examples, a cost calculator, local hospitals and free Medicare help
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Medicare in Bay County, Florida
Bay County, home to Panama City and Panama City Beach, is the main medical market for the central Florida Panhandle. CMS lists two general hospitals with emergency departments, a psychiatric hospital, an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, a long-term care hospital and five Medicare-certified nursing homes, according to data updated in 2026. About 19% of its roughly 204,000 residents are 65 or older. This page shows what Medicare Supplement plans pay here in 2026, with cost examples and a calculator, then lists each hospital and nursing home with its CMS rating and points you to free local Medicare help.
Reviewed by Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, Life & Health insurance agent licensed in Florida since 1994 and in Alabama (NPN 553216).
Verify the license on the Florida Department of Financial Services licensee search using NPN 553216. Last reviewed October 11, 2026. Medicare amounts on this page are checked against CMS figures for 2026.
Bay County at a Glance
| County seat | Panama City |
|---|---|
| Incorporated cities | Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Parker and Springfield |
| Other communities | Fountain, Southport, Sunny Hills and Youngstown |
| Population | 204,479 (U.S. Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025) |
| Residents 65 and older | 19.3% |
| People with Medicare | 44,528 (CMS, June 2026) |
| In Original Medicare, where a Medigap plan can be added | 25,366 (57.0%) |
| In Medicare Advantage or other health plans | 19,162 (43.0%) |
| Medicare-certified hospitals | 2 general hospitals and 1 psychiatric hospital |
| Rehabilitation and long-term care hospitals | 1 rehabilitation hospital, 1 hospital rehabilitation unit and 1 long-term care hospital |
| Medicare-certified nursing homes | 5 |
| Medicare-certified hospice agencies | 2 |
| Medicare-certified dialysis facilities | 4 |
| Free Medicare counseling | SHINE, 1-800-963-5337 |
Medicare enrollment comes from CMS Medicare Monthly Enrollment data for June 2026. Facility counts come from CMS Provider Data Catalog datasets released between July and October 2026. Facilities open, close and change names, so confirm details with the facility or on Medicare Care Compare.
Bay County is part of our Florida Panhandle Medicare Supplement region, with Panama City serving as the main medical market for the central Panhandle.
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Free 2026 Medicare Guides
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Medicare Supplement Plans in Bay County
Of the 44,528 people with Medicare in Bay County, 25,366 (57.0%) use Original Medicare, according to CMS enrollment data for June 2026. That is the group that can add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. The share is higher than the statewide figure of 42.9%. Another 13,818 Bay County residents have a stand-alone Part D drug plan, the type of drug coverage people with a Medigap plan use.
What Matters for Bay County Residents
- TRICARE For Life households: Many Bay County military retirees have TRICARE For Life, which pays most costs Medicare leaves behind. Review your TRICARE benefits before buying a Medigap plan, since the two can overlap.
- Regional medical center: Panama City hospitals serve patients from several surrounding rural counties. With Original Medicare and a Medigap plan you can use either Panama City hospital or specialists in Pensacola, Tallahassee or Dothan without referrals.
- Plan N and excess charges: Plan N does not pay Part B excess charges, which apply only when a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment. Ask your doctors whether they accept assignment before comparing Plan N with Plan G.
- Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs: CMS counts 5,657 Bay County residents with both Medicare and Medicaid. People who qualify for Medicaid usually do not need a Medigap plan, and SHINE counselors can check whether you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.
Plan details: Plan G | Plan N | High-Deductible Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Compare all plans
What Care in Bay County Costs With and Without a Medigap Plan
Medicare charges the same deductibles and coinsurance at every hospital and nursing home that accepts it, so the amounts below apply whether you use Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital or any other Medicare-certified hospital in the county. The table shows what you would pay in 2026 for medical care, before any plan premium.
| Coverage | Routine year 6 doctor visits and $800 in tests | 4-day stay at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay plus 8 doctor visits and $1,500 in tests | Hospital stay and rehab the same stay plus 25 days at a Bay County nursing home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare only | $566 | $2,502 | $3,587 |
| Plan G | $283 | $283 | $283 |
| Plan N | $403 | $443 | $443 |
| High-Deductible Plan G | $566 | $2,502 | $2,950 |
| Plan K | $425 | $1,393 | $1,935 |
| Plan L | $354 | $838 | $1,109 |
In the hospital stay and rehab example, Original Medicare alone leaves you with $3,587: the $1,736 Part A deductible, $217 a day for rehab days 21 to 25, the $283 Part B deductible and 20% of the remaining Part B charges. Plan G leaves only the $283 Part B deductible. Plan N adds up to $20 per office visit. High-Deductible Plan G stops at its $2,950 deductible.
Examples assume Medicare-approved amounts of $150 per doctor visit and that every provider accepts Medicare assignment. Plan K and Plan L have yearly out-of-pocket limits of $8,000 and $4,000 in 2026. Premiums vary by carrier, age and ZIP code and are not included.
What would you pay in Bay County in 2026?
Pick the year that sounds most like yours. The bars show what you would pay out of your own pocket for medical care, with and without a Medicare Supplement plan.
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Rehab days 1 to 20 cost nothing under Medicare. Days 21 to 100 cost $217 a day in 2026 unless a plan pays it.
Based on 2026 Medicare amounts: a $1,736 hospital deductible per stay, the $283 Part B deductible, 20% of doctor and outpatient bills and $217 a day for rehab days 21 to 100. Each hospital stay is 4 days, each doctor visit is $150 and tests are included in each example. Assumes your doctors accept Medicare assignment. The Part B premium, $202.90 a month for most people, is the same with or without a plan and is not shown. Drug, dental, vision and hearing costs are not included. Estimates are for education; your costs depend on your care.
Hospitals in Bay County
CMS lists three hospitals in Bay County, all in Panama City. Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital are general hospitals with emergency departments and serve as referral hospitals for the surrounding rural counties. Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital provides inpatient psychiatric care.
The county also has Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City, an inpatient rehabilitation unit inside HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital Panama City, a long-term care hospital located inside Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. These facilities treat patients who need more recovery care after a hospital stay. The military clinic at Tyndall Air Force Base serves TRICARE beneficiaries and is not listed here.
Show all 3 hospitals with ratings, phone numbers and directions
| Hospital | Type | Address | Phone | CMS overall rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascension Sacred Heart Bay | Acute care | 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL 32401 | (850) 769-1511 | 3 of 5 stars | Care Compare | Directions |
| HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital | Acute care | 449 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405 | (850) 747-7926 | 2 of 5 stars | Care Compare | Directions |
| Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital | Psychiatric | 1940 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32405 | (850) 763-0017 | Not rated | Care Compare | Directions |
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Hospitals
Show 3 rehabilitation and long-term care hospitals with directions
| Facility | Type | Address | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City | Inpatient rehabilitation | 1847 Florida Ave, Panama City, FL 32405 | Care Compare | Directions |
| HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit | Inpatient rehabilitation | 449 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405 | Care Compare | Directions |
| Select Specialty Hospital Panama City | Long-term care hospital | 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL 32401 | Care Compare | Directions |
Ratings are CMS overall hospital star ratings from the Hospital General Information dataset released August 2026. A star rating is one measure of quality, and Care Compare shows the details behind it. Psychiatric hospitals do not receive CMS overall star ratings.
Map of Medicare-Certified Facilities in Bay County
The map shows Bay County’s hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care hospitals, nursing homes and hospice agencies. Click a marker for the address, phone number and driving directions in Google Maps.
Medicare-Certified Nursing Homes in Bay County
CMS lists five Medicare-certified nursing homes in Bay County, in Panama City and Callaway. All five hold a CMS overall rating of 4 or 5 stars. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled nursing stay after a qualifying hospital stay, and most Medicare Supplement plans help with the daily coinsurance for days 21 to 100, $217 per day in 2026. Neither Medicare nor Medigap pays for long-term custodial care.
Show all 5 nursing homes with ratings and directions
| Nursing home | Address | Phone | Certified beds | CMS overall rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviata at Emerald Shores | 626 N Tyndall Pkwy, Callaway, FL 32404 | (850) 871-6363 | 77 | 5 of 5 | Care Compare | Directions |
| Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home | 4419 Tram Road, Panama City, FL 32404 | (850) 747-5401 | 120 | 5 of 5 | Care Compare | Directions |
| Community Health and Rehabilitation Center | 3611 Transmitter Road, Panama City, FL 32404 | (850) 588-4643 | 120 | 4 of 5 | Care Compare | Directions |
| PruittHealth Panama City | 3212 Jenks Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405 | (850) 771-1521 | 101 | 4 of 5 | Care Compare | Directions |
| St. Andrews Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation | 2100 Jenks Ave, Panama City, FL 32405 | (850) 763-0446 | 120 | 4 of 5 | Care Compare | Directions |
Ratings are CMS overall nursing home ratings from the Provider Information dataset released October 2026. Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home is run by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and admits eligible veterans. Nursing homes in neighboring counties are also options, so search Care Compare by ZIP code if you need more choices.
Home Health, Hospice and Dialysis in Bay County
- Home health: CMS lists seven Medicare-certified home health agency listings with offices in Bay County, in Panama City and Lynn Haven. Agencies serve areas rather than single addresses, so search by your ZIP code on Medicare Care Compare to see which ones serve your home, with their ratings.
- Hospice: Two Medicare-certified hospice agencies are based in Panama City: Emerald Coast Hospice at (850) 769-0055 (Care Compare) and Peoples Hospice and Palliative Care at (850) 740-0687 (Care Compare). Medicare Part A covers hospice care, and most Medicare Supplement plans pay the hospice coinsurance.
- Dialysis: CMS lists four dialysis facilities in Bay County: DaVita Panama City Dialysis Center, FMC Panama City, DaVita West Beach Dialysis Center near Panama City Beach and DaVita Lynn Haven Dialysis. Search dialysis facilities on Care Compare for shifts and ratings.
- Doctors: Doctor participation changes often, so use Care Compare’s doctor search and ask the office whether it accepts Medicare assignment. Providers who accept assignment cannot bill you Part B excess charges.
Free Medicare Help in Bay County
These public and nonprofit resources help Bay County residents with Medicare questions at no cost.
| Resource | What it helps with | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) | Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers, run locally by Advantage Aging Solutions, the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida | 2414 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 488-0055 or 1-800-963-5337 floridashine.org |
| Advantage Aging Solutions Elder Helpline | Information on local senior services, meals, caregiver support and in-home help | 1-866-467-4624 advantageaging.org |
| Florida Department of Health in Bay County | Public health services, vaccinations and clinic locations | 597 W 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 872-4455 bay.floridahealth.gov |
| Social Security Administration | Enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B, Part B premiums and replacement Medicare cards | Find your local office or call 1-800-772-1213 |
| Medicare | Coverage questions, Care Compare and plan information | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) medicare.gov |
Bay County Medicare FAQs
How many people in Bay County use Original Medicare?
CMS counts 44,528 people with Medicare in Bay County as of June 2026. Of them, 25,366 (57.0%) use Original Medicare, the coverage a Medicare Supplement plan works with, and 19,162 are in Medicare Advantage or other health plans.
What would a hospital stay at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay cost me with Plan G?
For a 4-day stay in 2026, Original Medicare alone leaves you with the $1,736 Part A deductible. Plan G pays it, along with your Part B coinsurance, so your only Medicare cost for the year is the $283 Part B deductible. The amounts are the same at every hospital that accepts Medicare.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement plan if I have TRICARE For Life?
TRICARE For Life requires Medicare Parts A and B. For services both programs cover, Medicare pays first and TRICARE pays the remaining amount, so you generally pay nothing out of pocket. Many military retirees in Bay County with TRICARE For Life find a Medigap plan adds little, so review your TRICARE benefits before buying one.
Should Bay County residents choose Plan G or Plan N?
Both cover hospital costs in full. Plan N charges up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not lead to an admission, and it does not cover Part B excess charges. If your doctors accept Medicare assignment, excess charges do not apply. Use the calculator on this page with your own quotes to compare.
When should I buy a Medicare Supplement plan?
The best time is usually your six-month Medigap open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it, carriers cannot deny you or charge more because of your health.
Where can I get free Medicare counseling in Bay County?
SHINE offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through Advantage Aging Solutions, the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida. Call (850) 488-0055 or SHINE at 1-800-963-5337. The Elder Helpline at 1-866-467-4624 connects you with other senior services.
How many Medicare-certified hospitals are in Bay County?
CMS lists two general hospitals in Panama City with emergency departments, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, plus Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital, a psychiatric hospital. The county also has a rehabilitation hospital, a hospital rehabilitation unit and a long-term care hospital.
How many Medicare-certified nursing homes are in Bay County?
CMS lists five. Aviata at Emerald Shores in Callaway and Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home in Panama City have CMS overall ratings of 5 of 5 stars. Community Health and Rehabilitation Center, PruittHealth Panama City and St. Andrews Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation have 4 of 5 stars, in CMS data released October 2026.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, August 13). Hospital General Information [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, October 8). Nursing Home Provider Information [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, September 23). Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility General Information [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, September 23). Long-Term Care Hospital General Information [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, August 26). Hospice General Information [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, July 15). Home Health Care Agencies [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, July 15). Dialysis Facility Listing by Facility [Data set]. Provider Data Catalog.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025, November 14). 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles [Fact sheet].
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Medicare.gov. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Care Compare. Medicare.gov. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Bay County, Florida (population estimates, July 1, 2025). Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHINE: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Advantage Aging Solutions. Advantage Aging Solutions, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Florida Department of Health in Bay County. Florida Department of Health in Bay County. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Defense Health Agency. TRICARE For Life. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026). Medicare Monthly Enrollment [Data set], June 2026 county data. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025, October). Medigap High-Deductible Options for Plans F, G and J, 2026 [Announcement].
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Compare Medigap Plan Benefits. Medicare.gov. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Florida Department of Financial Services. Licensee Search. Accessed October 9, 2026.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Bay County
Plan benefits are the same from every carrier, but premiums in Bay County vary by carrier, ZIP code and age. A side-by-side comparison for your ZIP code shows which carriers offer the plan you want and how their prices and rate histories compare.
Start with our Medicare Supplement plan comparison or talk with a licensed Medicare specialist below.
Towns We Serve in Bay County
Medicare Supplement plans work the same way in every Bay County town: the benefits for each plan letter are set by federal law, you can see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, and your premium depends on your ZIP code, age, sex and tobacco use. Use the estimator above with your own ZIP code to see the rates filed for your area.
Medicare Supplement Plans in Callaway
A residential city on the east side of Panama City, close to Bay County hospitals. About 13,496 people live in Callaway, and about 1,609 of them are 65 or older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey). The nearest Medicare-certified hospital on our county map is Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City, about 6 miles away in a straight line.
Medicare Supplement Plans in Parker
A small residential Bay County city on East Bay, near Tyndall Air Force Base. About 4,509 people live in Parker, and about 854 of them are 65 or older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey). The nearest Medicare-certified hospital on our county map is Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City, about 4 miles away in a straight line.
Have a question about coverage in your town? Request a free quote or call and a licensed agent will walk you through it.
Communities in Bay County
I help people with Medicare Supplement plans in every city, town and community in Bay County, including these with their own local pages.
- Callaway
- Cedar Grove
- Laguna Beach
- Lower Grand Lagoon
- Mexico Beach
- Parker
- Pretty Bayou
- Upper Grand Lagoon
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Quote Today
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Disclaimer:
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MedicareSupplementsOnly.com is owned and operated by Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, a Life & Health insurance agent licensed in Florida (License A169316, active since 1994) and in Alabama as a nonresident agent. National Producer Number (NPN): 553216.
Insurance product descriptions on this site are provided for informational and marketing purposes only. The policy and any riders issued by the insurer contain the full terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations. Eligibility, rates, and benefits are determined by the issuing carrier and may change over time.
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This website is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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Content Review
Content reviewed by Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, Licensed Life & Health Agent, Florida License A169316 and Alabama, NPN 553216