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10/22/2025 – 11:45 AM
CarePlus is doubling down on its commitment to offering Floridians affordable and comprehensive healthcare, announcing expanded Medicare Advantage plan options for 2026. The move underscores the intensifying competition within the lucrative Medicare Advantage market as insurers vie for a larger share of the state’s growing senior population.
CarePlus Health Plans, Inc., a significant player in Florida’s Medicare Advantage landscape, revealed its 2026 plan portfolio, boasting up to 12 distinct options across the 20 Florida counties it serves. This strategic expansion hints at CarePlus’ calculated effort to cater to a diverse range of healthcare needs within the Medicare demographic.
“Our focus at CarePlus is to simplify the complexities of healthcare and provide our members with dependable benefits,” stated Steven Ruiz, President of CarePlus Health Plans. “The 2026 offerings reflect this commitment, introducing new plan features and reinforcing existing benefits that are designed to improve the health and well-being of Medicare-eligible individuals in Florida.”
Decoding the 2026 Offerings: A Closer Look
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Coverage: Recognizing the unique healthcare requirements of beneficiaries eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, CarePlus is introducing a new Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). This addition complements existing D-SNP options, suggesting a data-driven approach to targeted plan development. The broader implications here could signal a wider industry trend of insurers tailoring plans to specific dual-eligible demographics to capture enrollment.
- Targeted Support for Chronic Lung Conditions: The addition of a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) focused on respiratory ailments emphasizes the rising prevalence of chronic lung diseases. Coupled with the CareEssentials Allowance**, this plan offers not only specialized medical care, but also financial support for managing related expenses. This move also allows targeted marketing and resource allocation, which is efficient in a competitive environment.
- Out-of-Network Flexibility: Select C-SNPs offer out-of-network specialist access in specific regions, addressing a crucial pain point for some Medicare beneficiaries who prefer maintaining relationships with established providers. This hybrid structure attempts to balance cost control with member choice, potentially drawing in beneficiaries who desire greater flexibility in their healthcare options.
- Go365 Member Rewards Integration: CarePlus will implement the Go365® wellness program from January 1, incentivizing member engagement in activities that promote fitness and health. By rewarding positive behavior with gift cards, this initiative aims to reduce long-term health costs and improve members’ overall well-being. The collaboration could offer insights into the effectiveness of incentives in healthcare.
- Enhanced Mental Health Benefits: Select plans feature a $0 copay for mental health visits within the network, addressing growing concerns around mental healthcare access. The addition of this benefit could signal insurers’ increasing recognition of mental health as a key component of comprehensive care.
Core Plan Strengthening:
- $0 Premiums: All CarePlus plans feature a $0 monthly premium, easing financial burden.
- $0 Copays: Members pay no fee for in-network primary care, select dental procedures and prescriptions plans.
- $0 Prescription Drug Deductibles: Select plans allow zero deductibles on medications.
- Part B Premium Giveback: Provides support for Medicare Part B costs.
- Over-the-counter Allowance or CareEssentials Allowance: Plan offers coverage for purchases.
- Routine Coverage: Dental, hearing, vision included in care package.
- Transportation: All plans cover transportation needs.
- SilverSneakers® Exercise Program: Encourages active lifestyle.
Florida residents interested can enroll between October 15 and December 7. Further details are available at CarePlusHealthPlans.com.
CarePlus: A Longstanding Presence in Florida
With over 25 years in the Florida market, CarePlus Health Plans is focused on health services, preventative care and customer service.
CarePlus Health Plans offers assistance through the ACCESS Florida Department of Children and Families to apply for assistance with public programs.
CarePlus services South Florida, West Florida, Central Florida, North Florida and Atlantic Coast. CarePlus is a Medicare Advantage HMO organization. CarePlus and Medicaid have no obligation to treat CarePlus members. See Evidence of Coverage for details.
*The Part B Premium Reduction (Giveback) benefit pays part or all your Part B premium and the amount may change based on the amount you pay for Part B.
**This spending allowance is a special program for members with specific health conditions. Qualifying conditions include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions and other requirements apply. See the plan’s Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income if you seek assistance. Contact your local HUD office if you have questions.
***Quantity limits and other restrictions may apply.
1 Prescription drug coverage can vary across plans. $0 copay may be limited to specific tiers, coverage stages, “Extra Help” eligibility, 3-month supply and/or certain pharmacies.
2 Available only through mail-order from CenterWell Pharmacy®.
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