State Health Insurance Assistance Program
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
1-800-963-5337TTY 1-800-955-8770
SHINE is Florida's State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
SHINE's websiteAll my state licenses
Medicare in Florida, from someone who lives here.
I'm Jeannie Pond, a Licensed Insurance Agent since 2009, based in Lakeland. I'll walk you through Medicare Advantage, Medigap and drug plans by phone or Google Meet, or in person by appointment within about 25 miles of Lakeland (Polk and Hillsborough counties), in plain words, at your pace. My Florida license, W272782, is on the state's register, so look me up first.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 52 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week
My Florida license
Florida is my home state, so this is my resident license. I'm also the agent in charge of my Florida agency, Vista Insurance Services, license L135539. My licenses in other states are non-resident licenses.
All my state licensesAbout meMedicare help in Lakeland and nearby cities
Look me up yourself
Go to the state's search
Open the Florida Department of Financial Services licensee search.
Search for me
Search my name, my NPN (8940178) or license number W272782.
Check what it says
Make sure the name matches, the license shows as valid, and look at the date it was issued. To check my agency, search L135539.
What my Florida license covers
My Florida license carries life and health lines. Pick a kind of coverage to see how it works.
How that coverage works
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Part D drug coverage
- Health insurance before Medicare
- Dental, vision and hearing
- Life insurance
- Final expense insurance
- Long-term care insurance
These explain how each kind of coverage works in general. They don't list which plans are sold in your area.
Unbiased Medicare help in Florida
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program isn't connected to any insurance company or health plan. That makes it a good place to double-check anything an agent tells you, me included.
Florida's insurance regulator
Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services
1-877-693-52361-877-MY-FL-CFO, insurance assistance 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
It's the same department that runs the licensee search where you can look me up. Its insurance help line takes questions and complaints about insurance companies and agents.
Division of Consumer ServicesMedigap in Florida
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months and starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older. During it you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, and the insurance company can't deny you coverage because of pre-existing health problems. It doesn't repeat every year.
Florida law sets the same six months, starting the first month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. It also opens that window to people under 65 who have Medicare because of a disability or end-stage renal disease.
Florida Statutes 627.6741We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 52 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week
Common questions about my Florida license
Is Jeannie Pond licensed in Florida?
Yes. The Florida Department of Financial Services lists me, Jeannie Pond, NPN 8940178, with resident license W272782, issued October 9, 2015 and valid when checked on October 1, 2026. My agency, Vista Insurance Services, holds Florida agency license L135539, and I'm its agent in charge.
Who gives unbiased Medicare help in Florida?
SHINE, Florida's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, at 1-800-963-5337 (TTY 1-800-955-8770). These programs aren't connected to any insurance company or health plan.
Can I buy a Medigap policy in Florida before 65?
Yes, if you have Medicare because of a disability or end-stage renal disease and you're enrolled in Part B. Florida law gives you the same six-month Medigap open enrollment window (Florida Statutes 627.6741).
Where do I take an insurance question or complaint in Florida?
Call the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, at 1-877-693-5236 (1-877-MY-FL-CFO). Insurance help is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Questions about coverage in Florida?
Send me a note or give me a call. First I'll make sure my license covers where you live, then I'll answer your questions.
Jeannie Pond, Licensed Insurance Agent, NPN 8940178, licensed since 2009.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 52 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week