Are $0-premium plans really free?

The premium can be $0, but you still pay your Part B premium and copays when you use services. 'Free' means no separate plan premium — not no cost. We show you the expected total cost based on how you actually use care.

Can I switch from Advantage back to Original Medicare?

Yes, during the Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31). But you may not be guaranteed acceptance into a Medigap plan afterward without underwriting, so we talk this through before you switch.

What if my doctor isn't in the plan's network?

On an HMO, out-of-network care may not be covered at all; on a PPO you'd pay more. We always check your providers against a plan's network before recommending it.

Is Advantage good for people with chronic conditions?

It depends. Some Advantage plans are Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) built for specific conditions. But if you need frequent specialist care or travel often, Original Medicare + Medigap may offer more flexibility — we'll compare both.

Are you connected to Medicare or the government?

No. Mere Benefits is a private, independent agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We don't offer every plan available in your area — to review all your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

How much does it cost to work with Mere Benefits?

Nothing extra. Plan prices are set by the carriers and are identical whether you enroll on your own or with a licensed agent — we're paid by the carriers, so our guidance is free to you.

How do I get started?

Call or text (904) 654-5450, email info@merebenefits.com, or use our contact form. We'll set up a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — in person on the First Coast, or by phone and video.

Are you independent, or tied to one insurance company?

Independent. We aren't captive to a single insurer, so we compare the options across the carriers we represent and recommend what fits you — not what pays us most.

Will I have to change doctors?

Not if we can help it. Before recommending a plan we confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are covered, so keeping your care is part of the decision.

Can you help by phone and video, or only in person?

Both. We meet clients in person across Northeast Florida and Camden County, GA, and serve all 11 of our licensed states by phone and video.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

Name: Mere Benefits
Address: 9428 Baymeadows Rd. STE 137, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, US
Telephone: (904) 654-5450
Price range: Free consultation

The appeal

Many Advantage plans carry a $0 premium and roll in benefits Original Medicare never covers — dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, even over-the-counter allowances. They also cap your annual out-of-pocket costs, which Original Medicare alone does not.

The trade-offs to weigh

In exchange, you use the plan's network and may need referrals and prior authorizations. Your costs come as copays as you use care rather than a higher fixed premium. For healthy people who stay in-network, that math often wins; for frequent travelers or those wanting total provider freedom, a Supplement may fit better.

Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap

The honest side-by-side comes down to freedom versus bundled convenience:

Factor	Medicare Advantage	Original + Medigap
Monthly premium	$0–$50 (+ Part B)	$100–$300 (Medigap + Part D + Part B)
Provider choice	Network-based (HMO/PPO)	Any Medicare-accepting provider
Out-of-pocket max	Required by law (~$3,000–$8,000)	None unless Medigap
Drug coverage	Usually included	Separate Part D needed
Extra benefits	Dental, vision, hearing, fitness	None included
Best for	Budget-conscious, healthy, local care	Travelers, chronic conditions, flexibility

HMO vs. PPO

Advantage plans come in two main network types, and the difference matters:

HMO — you must use in-network providers and usually need a primary-care referral to see specialists. Lower premiums.
PPO — you can go out of network at a higher cost and don't need referrals. More flexibility, slightly higher premiums.

Local Jacksonville plan considerations

Advantage plans vary by ZIP code — the plans available in Duval County can differ from Clay, St. Johns, or Nassau. Locally, we know which plans include Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic, UF Health, and Ascension St. Vincent's in their networks, and we compare every plan in your area against your doctors and budget.

Match the plan to your doctors and drugs

The right Advantage plan is the one whose network includes your doctors and whose formulary covers your prescriptions at a good price. We check both before recommending anything — that's the whole job.