Secure affordable Medicare Supplement plans in Palatka, Florida

Tailored Medigap Plan G quotes for Putnam County seniors. Get personalized coverage today.

Home > Florida > Putnam County > Palatka

Why Medicare Supplements Matter Here in Palatka: Your Guide to Coverage

Palatka, the county seat and a historic riverfront city in Putnam County, Florida, has a population of about 10,400, with 19.5% of the county’s 73,321 residents aged 65 or older (U.S. Census QuickFacts, 2023). With a median household income of $45,100, seniors in this vibrant community face healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover gaps like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, essential in Palatka’s semi-rural setting where specialty care may require drives to Gainesville or St. Augustine. Our licensed agents, with 30 years of Florida expertise, compare plans like Plan G (comprehensive coverage) or Plan N (budget-friendly with copays) from carriers like Aetna and Florida Blue, offering free quotes tailored to Palatka’s active, riverfront lifestyle, so seniors can enjoy local trails without healthcare stress. Click Here To Compare All Plans

What's the process?

We’re easy to reach. Most use our form. This allows us to call you at the time of your convenience. We’ll ask about your Part B date, current coverage (if any), budget guardrails. 

We shop carriers and identify underwriting flags (if any), Once we’ve identified several, we’ll contact you to set up the best time to go over our findings. 

Right-sized Medigap plan (G, N, or fit) for your ZIP and budget

Application concierge (e-app done right, the first time)

Annual rate-check so you don’t overpay next renewal

Why This Site Exists

Medicare can be confusing, overwhelming, and unnecessarily noisy. For many people approaching age 65, it feels less like a healthcare decision and more like navigating a maze of conflicting advice, sales pressure, and generic information that rarely reflects where you actually live or how you actually retire.

MedicareSupplementsOnly.com was created to cut through that noise. Read more

2026 Medicare Costs at a Glance

$1,736.00

Part A Deductible (per benefit period)

$283.00

Part B Deductible (per year)

$202.90 (or higher depending on your income).

Part B Premium (The amount can change each year.)

$217

Skilled Nursing (days 21-100)

Varies

Medigap premiums by plan & location

What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement plans — often called Medigap — are optional policies you can buy from private insurance companies to help pay the costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t fully cover. Think of them as “gap fillers.”

With Medicare alone, you’re still on the hook for things like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. A Medigap plan can step in and cover some or all of those out-of-pocket costs.

How Do They Work?

  • You stay enrolled in Original Medicare.

  • Medicare pays its share of approved healthcare costs.

  • Your Medigap plan pays its share after that.

You still use your red, white, and blue Medicare card at the doctor’s office — nothing changes there. The Supplement is just a backup, so you’re not left with big bills.

*Updated annually by Medicare. Premiums may vary based on income.

ebook cover which describes "Choosing a Medigap Policy" offered my Medicare.gov
Still Relevant For 2026. Download Your Free Comparison Guide
2026 Official Medicare Guide
Download Your Free 2026 Handbook

Fast Facts (Save Yourself Headaches)

  • Medigap ≠ Advantage. Medigap works with Original Medicare; no networks, no referrals.

     

  • Price is by ZIP/age/tobacco/household. Same benefits → different carrier rates.

     

  • Timing matters. Your Part B date and Guaranteed Issue windows change underwriting.

     

  • Doctor freedom. Any provider accepting Medicare. Traveling? You’re still covered.

Medigap vs. Advantage 

  • Medigap (We place it): higher premium, lower unpredictable costs, nationwide access, no network drama.
  • Advantage (We don’t market it): lower premium, networks, authorizations, plan rules.

    You want clarity, predictability, and freedom → Medigap usually wins.

What Drives Your Rate?

  • ZIP code • Age (and birthday timing) • Tobacco status • Household discount • Carrier rate history

Why Florida Seniors Choose Medicare Supplements Only?

Nearly 30 Years of Experience

Chuck Lunsford has helped Florida residents navigate Medicare Supplement decisions since 1994. Licensed FL agent #A169316 with deep expertise across every Florida community—from Miami to the Panhandle.

Comprehensive Florida Coverage

We serve seniors in 50+ Florida communities with deep understanding of local healthcare landscapes and hospital access. Whether you’re in a bustling city or quiet rural town, we know your area’s unique challenges.

No-Pressure, Independent Guidance

We compare plans from multiple top-rated carriers to find the best value for YOUR situation—never locked into one company. Our educational approach means you make informed decisions at your own pace, with ongoing support after enrollment.

How Medicare Supplement Coverage Fits Life in Palatka

Palatka functions as a regional healthcare hub for much of Putnam County, but that doesn’t mean care is always simple or inexpensive. Routine visits may happen locally, yet specialty care, advanced imaging, or complex procedures often require navigating referrals, scheduling delays, or travel to larger medical systems outside the immediate area.

The bigger concern for many residents isn’t access alone — it’s cost exposure. Original Medicare does not cap out-of-pocket spending. Deductibles, coinsurance, and the familiar “20%” share of Part B services can accumulate quickly, especially when care becomes ongoing rather than occasional.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan helps Palatka residents reduce that uncertainty. It’s designed to make medical expenses more predictable and to preserve flexibility, allowing you to receive care wherever Medicare is accepted without being restricted to a local network. 

Which Medigap Plans Usually Make Sense in Palatka

For most people, the decision comes down to two standardized options:

Plan N – Often chosen when keeping monthly premiums lower is a priority. Plan N can work well for people who don’t see doctors frequently and are comfortable with modest copays for certain office or emergency room visits in exchange for reduced monthly cost.

Plan G – A strong choice for people who prefer fewer surprises. After you meet the Part B deductible, Plan G helps cover most remaining Medicare-approved gaps, which can feel simpler and more controlled if you expect regular medical care.

Both plans allow you to see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Original Medicare. The difference comes down to how you want to balance monthly premiums versus occasional out-of-pocket costs.

Click Here To Compare All Plans

What to Bring to the Call

Medicare ID (red/white/blue card) • Part B start month/year • Med list (optional) • Must-have doctors/hospitals • Current coverage (if any)

 

What You Get

  • Right-sized Medigap plan (G, N, or fit) for your city and your budget
  • Same-day quotes 
  • Application concierge (clean e-app, first time)
  • Annual rate-check so you don’t overpay

Palatka-Specific Notes

  • Community vs. Attained Age Rating: In Florida, most carriers use attained-age pricing — meaning your premium is based on the age you are when you enroll and can rise as you get older. That’s important to budget for.

  • Open Enrollment Window: You have a six-month guaranteed-issue period when you first enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65. After that, you may have to answer health questions to switch plans.

  • Household Discounts: Some Florida carriers offer a household or spousal discount if two people in the same household enroll.

  • Local Support: Since carriers and rates vary by county, we run quotes for your ZIP code to make sure you’re not overpaying.

What’s The Next Step?

If you’re turning 65 soon or already on Medicare and looking at options, we’ll compare every Medigap carrier available in your Florida county. You’ll see the actual premiums side by side, and we’ll walk you through how Plan G and Plan N stack up for your situation.

About Palatka: Community Snapshot for Seniors

Palatka, founded in 1821, is a charming city along the St. Johns River, known for its historic architecture and natural beauty. With a median age of 41 and 65% homeownership in Putnam County, seniors (19.5% of residents) enjoy affordable living (average home value $135,000). The Putnam County Senior Services offers bingo, fitness classes, and health workshops, engaging the 65+ community. Annual events like the Palatka Bluegrass Festival draw retirees for music, crafts, and local food. The St. Johns River Greenway, 1 mile from downtown, provides flat, bike-friendly trails for seniors using e-bikes, ideal for staying active. As a regional hub, Palatka has local shops, but some seniors travel to Gainesville (45 miles) for specialty care, making Medigap coverage critical for healthcare access.

 

Healthcare Access in Palatka

Palatka offers robust local healthcare options, with additional facilities accessible nearby. Below are key providers and facilities:

  • Doctors:

    • Dr. John W. DeKosky, MD (Family Medicine), at Palms Medical Group – Palatka, 1302 River St, Palatka, FL 32177 (0.5 miles, 2-minute drive). Accepts Medicare for primary care, wellness visits, and chronic condition management.

    • Dr. Robert S. Rosier, MD (Internal Medicine), at HCA Florida Putnam Medical Group, 700 Zeagler Dr, Palatka, FL 32177 (1.5 miles, 4-minute drive). Offers Medicare-covered preventive care and specialist referrals.

Medical Facilities:

  • HCA Florida Putnam Hospital
    Located at 611 Zeagler Dr, Palatka, FL 32177, this hospital is just 2 miles from downtown Palatka, about a 5-minute drive. It offers emergency services, primary care, and limited specialty services, and accepts Medicare Assignment.
  • UF Health Shands Hospital
    Found at 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, this facility is approximately 45 miles from Palatka, a 55-minute drive. It provides comprehensive services, including cardiology and oncology, and accepts Medicare Assignment.
  • HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
    Located at 6500 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605, this hospital is about 47 miles from Palatka, roughly a 1-hour drive. It offers emergency care, surgery, and more, and accepts Medicare Assignment.

Pharmacies:

    • Walgreens Pharmacy, 1010 State Rd 20, Palatka, FL 32177 (1 mile, 3-minute drive). Fills prescriptions with Medicare Part D support.

The Putnam County Senior Services (1100 Husson Ave, Palatka, 1 mile) provides free health screenings and transportation for the 20% of seniors without vehicles. Medigap plans cover coinsurance and copays, ensuring affordability for these services in Palatka’s semi-rural setting.

 

I use Medicare.gov’s Care Compare and Florida Health Finder to locate Medicare-accepting doctors and hospitals, ensuring affordable care with United American plans.

Driving Distances to Key Facilities

Facility

Location

Distance from Palatka

Drive Time

HCA Florida Putnam Hospital

Palatka, FL

2 miles

5 minutes

UF Health Shands Hospital

Gainesville, FL

45 miles

55 minutes

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

Gainesville, FL

47 miles

1 hour

Local Resources & Next Steps

Visit Putnam County Senior Services for free wellness programs and transport. Check Medicare.gov for plan comparisons. Schedule a free quote with us to secure your Medigap coverage in Palatka.

We Offer Expert Guidance to Your Perfect Supplement Plan

We’ll dive into your unique needs, simplify the maze of plan options, and guide you with clear, honest advice. My hands-on approach, backed by thousands of client success stories—ensures you get coverage that fits your life, stress-free.

We analyze your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences to recommend the best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, clarifying coverage gaps like deductibles or copays that Original Medicare doesn’t cover

We simplify the complex enrollment process, ensuring clients meet deadlines, understand eligibility, and avoid penalties, while navigating them through plan options with clear, jargon-free explanations.

We offer continued assistance post-enrollment, helping with claims, plan changes, or unexpected issues, and stay updated on policy shifts to keep clients’ coverage aligned with their evolving needs.

Our Services for Palatka

Medicare Supplements Only offers free Medigap quotes for Palatka seniors, comparing 10+ carriers in 15 minutes. We specialize in Putnam County’s semi-rural needs, ensuring plans work with providers like Dr. John W. DeKosky or UF Health Shands. Services include enrollment assistance, annual plan reviews, and help with travel cost questions. Call (239) 633-4392 or email info@medicaresupplementsonly.com for personalized support.

FAQs

Palatka seniors often ask about balancing local and regional healthcare. Here are answers to top questions:

 

How do Medigap plans support Palatka’s healthcare access?

Medigap covers copays and coinsurance at facilities like HCA Florida Putnam Hospital or UF Health Shands, 50 minutes from Palatka FL 32177, reducing travel-related costs.

 

What’s the best Medigap plan for Palatka’s budget-conscious retirees?

Plan N offers low premiums ($90–$140/month) and covers Part B coinsurance, ideal for routine visits to Palms Medical Group or local pharmacies.

 

Can I switch Medigap plans if my health needs change in Palatka?

Yes, switch during open enrollment or with guaranteed issue rights. We guide Palatka residents through options with top carriers.

Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Quote Today

Don’t miss your chance for the right Medicare Supplement plan. Call us at 1-239-633-4392, email info@medicaresupplementsonly.com, or fill out our form for a free consultation. Let’s make Medicare work for you. Learn more at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Disclaimer:

MedicareSupplementsOnly.com is owned and operated by Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, a Life & Health insurance agent licensed in Florida (License A169316, active since 1994). Insurance product descriptions are for informational/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 are subject to underwriting and change.

We do not market Advantage plans. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. Availability varies by area. Services available where licensed.

We specialize in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance and related products. 

This is a solicitation of insurance; a licensed agent may contact you. Products and services are available only where licensed. Availability and carrier participation vary by state and by product.

No tax or legal advice is provided. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation. Email and text communications may not be fully secure; please avoid sending sensitive personal information unless requested through a secure channel. All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

Contact: info@MedicareSupplementsOnly.com or 239.633.4392

Affiliated with and receives compensation for products sold from United American Insurance Company, Globe Life Insurance, and MCC Brokerage located in Tampa, Florida.
 
Content reviewed by Charles Lunsford, Licensed Life & Health Agent, FL
Disclaimer last updated: January 2, 2026,
 
License A169316 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
`
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Scroll to Top