Broward County, home to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Miramar, is one of Florida's most densely populated counties and a major Medicare Advantage market. With a senior population that continues to grow — drawn by climate, affordability relative to Miami-Dade, and established retirement communities — Broward has attracted nearly every major carrier and dozens of individual plan options for the 2026 plan year.
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan in Broward requires understanding the local hospital systems, comparing carrier star ratings, evaluating extra benefits, and verifying that your current physicians are in-network. This guide covers everything a Broward County resident needs to evaluate Medicare Advantage options for 2026.
In This Guide
Broward County beneficiaries have access to a competitive selection of Medicare Advantage carriers. Here is how the leading plans compare for 2026:
| Carrier | Plan Types Available | CMS Star Rating | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 4.0–4.5 stars | Large network, strong Part D drug coverage |
| Devoted Health | HMO | 4.5–5.0 stars | Highest member satisfaction; tech-driven care coordination |
| UnitedHealthcare | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 3.5–4.0 stars | PPO flexibility; AARP-branded plans |
| Aetna / CarePlus | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 4.0 stars | CVS Health integration; strong supplemental benefits |
| Molina Healthcare | HMO, D-SNP | 3.5–4.0 stars | Strong dual-eligible programs; affordable premiums |
| Wellcare (Centene) | HMO, D-SNP | 3.0–3.5 stars | Low-cost options; wide Medicaid network |
Comparing Medicare plans in Florida
Three major health systems serve Broward County seniors, and each has a different footprint across Medicare Advantage networks:
| Health System | Key Hospitals | Network Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broward Health | Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health Imperial Point | Public health system; participates in many MA networks; verify annually |
| Memorial Healthcare System | Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital | Strong MA participation; one of South Florida's highest-rated systems |
| HCA Florida | HCA Florida Westside, HCA Florida Northwest, HCA Florida Plantation | Broad MA network participation; for-profit system |
| Cleveland Clinic Florida (Weston) | Cleveland Clinic Florida Hospital | Academic medical center; participates in select PPO and HMO networks |
The vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans offered in Broward County are HMOs. HMOs require you to use in-network providers for non-emergency care and typically require a referral from your primary care physician to see specialists. In exchange, HMOs offer lower monthly premiums (often $0) and lower copays for covered services.
PPOs, offered by carriers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna, give you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider — in or out of network — without a referral. Out-of-network care costs more, but the flexibility can be valuable if you:
If you are enrolled in both Medicare and Florida Medicaid, a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) may be your best option. D-SNPs are specifically designed to coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs and additional support services that standard Medicare Advantage plans do not offer.
Broward County D-SNP options are available from Humana, Molina, Aetna/CarePlus, and Wellcare. Key features of D-SNPs in this market typically include:
To qualify, you must hold both Medicare Part A and Part B and be enrolled in Florida Medicaid. Contact a licensed agent to compare D-SNP options side by side — the plan with the lowest premium may not offer the best care coordination or extra benefits for your specific situation.
Medicare Advantage plans in Broward County compete aggressively on supplemental benefits. Here is a comparison of common extra benefit categories:
| Benefit | Typical Range in Broward | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental (Preventive) | $0 copay for cleanings and X-rays | Available on most plans |
| Dental (Comprehensive) | $1,000–$3,000 annual maximum | Varies widely; read plan documents carefully |
| Vision | $150–$300 annual eyewear allowance | Usually includes one exam per year |
| Hearing | $500–$2,500 per ear for hearing aids | Best on 4-star and above plans |
| OTC Benefit Card | $75–$200 per quarter | Used at CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, etc. |
| Transportation | 12–36 one-way trips per year | To medical appointments; common on D-SNPs |
| SilverSneakers / Fitness | Free gym access | Available at most major carriers |
Get personalized Medicare guidance for Broward County. Compare plans, check your doctors, and enroll — at no cost to you.
Get My Free Plan ComparisonBefore enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan in Broward County, verifying that your existing physicians are in-network is the single most important step. Here is a reliable process:
Understanding when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan is critical for Broward County residents:
For additional Medicare guidance covering all of Florida, visit the Florida Plan Finder Medicare Guide. For broader health insurance resources in South Florida, see Florida Plan Finder and Florida Plan Finder.