Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Don’t Cut the Cord on Florida Seniors

For Florida seniors, high-speed internet can provide opportunities to connect with family and friends, see doctors remotely, stream entertainment and shop for necessities. These aren’t just luxuries; they are meaningful practices that can greatly improve seniors’ quality of life. But many seniors live on a fixed income and for some, high-speed internet service can seem out of reach.

Fortunately, there is a program that can help. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a partnership between the federal government and private service providers, is expanding access to low-cost or even free high-speed internet to eligible Florida seniors. But without action from Congress, funding will be exhausted sometime next year, leaving millions of seniors disconnected.

Here’s how the program works: the ACP provides a $30 monthly benefit for internet service, and companies like AT&T offer low-cost programs to those who qualify for the benefit, making the service free. 

Seniors can qualify for the program based on income or participation in other federal assistance programs. Applying and signing up for service is easy. Simply visit getinternet.gov or call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

How Can Medigap Help You?

Did you know that you can buy extra insurance from a private insurance company to help pay for your Medicare costs? However, you can only purchase Medigap insurance if you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare).

Other Details:

• You must already have Original Medicare Parts A & B.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot purchase and don’t need a Medigap policy.
• A Medigap policy covers only one person.
• A Medigap policy helps pay your “share of cost” expenses not coveredby Parts A or B, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
• Medigap policies renew automatically, so long as premiums are paid.
• There are 10 different Medigap plans, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G, K-N. The cost of premiums is the only difference between these plans with the same letter.

To better understand the Medigap options available to you, let a SHINE Medicare Counselor compare costs and coverage by calling the Elder Helpline at 1-866-467-4624.

Stay Tuned for our Next Edition of Medicare Moments: Transitioning from the Affordable Care Act to Medicare

SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is offered locally by Advantage Aging Solutions. SHINE provides free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of volunteers; empowering Florida seniors to make informed health choices.