Local Medicare Plan Guidance You Can Trust
With Bayside’s Certified Medicare Insurance Planners™ by your side, confidence in your Medicare decisions comes naturally.
Or call us with any questions: (352) 999-2727
Serving Central Florida for Over 25+ Years | 11 Insurance Carriers* | 5-Star Google Rating
HOW WE HELP
What Makes Bayside Different?
At Bayside, we’re more than advisors—we’re Your Medicare Partner For Life™. Our Signature Services remove the stress from Medicare, helping you clearly understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your coverage working for you year after year.
Here’s what’s covered in our Signature Services:
Enrollment & Coverage Confirmation
We simplify Medicare enrollment windows—Initial Enrollment (IEP), Special Enrollment (SEP), and Open Enrollment Period (OEP)—so you enroll at the right time and avoid costly penalties. If you’re still working, we’ll guide you through employer coverage. Once you select a supplement, we’ll also confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered—that’s part of the service, and it ensures your plan truly works for your health needs.
Advocacy & Claim Support
With your permission, we’ll work directly with your insurance carrier or billing department to resolve issues, saving you time and stress.
Ongoing Coverage Reviews
Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans change every year. We’ll update you on what’s new, review your plan annually, and make sure it still fits your health and financial needs.
Local Resources & Knowledge
We’ll connect you with community resources like the Medicare Savings Program, local home health agencies, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. We also help you understand how advanced aging connects to long-term care, so you and your family feel prepared for the future.
LOCAL, LICENSED, & HERE FOR YOU
Meet Dayna and the Team
For over 25 years, Dayna Schafer and Bayside Health Benefits have been helping Floridians make Medicare decisions with clarity and confidence. Known for her warmth, patience, and deep Medicare expertise, Dayna and her team take the time to understand what matters most—your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and peace of mind.
Rooted in Citrus County and serving Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Polk, and Pinellas Counties, Bayside is a local, independent agency representing 11 leading insurance carriers. We’re proud to know the local doctors, pharmacies, and senior resources, and to provide honest guidance that feels aligned with your life.
Since 2001, we’ve built lasting relationships by combining industry expertise, community connections, and genuine care online, over the phone, and face-to-face. At Bayside, you’re never just a client, you’re part of our family.
Since 2001, we’ve built lasting relationships by combining industry expertise, community connections, and genuine care online, over the phone, and face-to-face. At Bayside, you’re never just a client; you’re part of our family.
EXPLORE YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS
Which Medicare Path Fits You Best?
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll help you explore your options clearly, calmly, and without sales pressure.
NEW TO MEDICARE
If you’re just turning 65 or newly eligible, we’ll help you get started the right way without penalties or confusion.
MEDIGAP (SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE)
Covers the “gaps” in Original Medicare and lets you see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (PART C)
Combines hospital, medical, and often extras like dental and vision, usually with lower premiums and provider networks.
Unsure Which Supplement Option Is Best For You?
Every situation is unique. Let’s talk through yours.
WHERE WE SERVE
Your Local Medicare Partner
We’re based right here in Central Florida and proudly serve the following areas:
Beverly Hills • Brooksville • Citrus Hills • Citrus Springs • Clearwater • Crystal River • Dunnellon • Haines City • Hernando • Homosassa • Inverness • Lakeland • Largo • Lecanto • Palm Harbor • Spring Hill • St. Petersburg • Tampa • Trinity • Winter Haven
EXPLORE YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS
Voices of Our Community
FAQ
Answering Common Medicare Questions
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare to cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and typically bundles hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage with extras like dental and vision. Supplement plans give you nationwide doctor access with any Medicare-accepting provider; Advantage plans use provider networks. At Bayside Health Benefits, we represent both options and have no incentive to favor one. Our job is finding the right fit for your health needs, budget, and lifestyle.
How much do Medicare Supplement plans cost?
Medicare Supplement premiums vary based on the plan letter, your age, where you live, and the insurance company. In most Florida markets, plans range from under $100 to over $300 per month. Plan G is currently the most widely chosen option, offering comprehensive coverage without requiring you to use a provider network. At Bayside Health Benefits, we compare rates across 11 insurance carriers to find the plan that fits your needs and budget — and our guidance costs you nothing.
Which Medicare plan is best for me?
There is no single best Medicare plan. The right choice depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, how often you travel, and your budget. That is exactly why Bayside Health Benefits takes a one-on-one approach. Dayna Schafer and her team spend time understanding your medical needs and financial situation before making any recommendation. We represent 11 carriers and have no incentive to steer you toward any specific plan. Call us at (352) 999-2727 and we will walk through your options together.
How do Medicare Supplement plans work?
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, work as a secondary layer on top of Original Medicare (Parts A and B). When you receive care, Medicare pays its portion first. Your Supplement plan then covers some or all of the remaining costs, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can use any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare — no referrals and no network restrictions. Bayside Health Benefits will explain exactly what each plan letter covers before you make any decisions.
Are Medicare Supplement plans worth it?
For many people, yes. Medicare Supplement plans trade a higher monthly premium for predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide. Without a supplement, Original Medicare leaves you responsible for 20% of Part B costs with no out-of-pocket cap. For those with regular health needs, frequent travel, or a preference for budget certainty, a Supplement plan often pays for itself. Bayside Health Benefits will run the numbers with you so you can decide with confidence.
Can I change my Medicare plan at any time?
Not always — and this is one of the most important things to understand before enrolling. Changing a Medicare Supplement plan outside of your initial open enrollment window typically requires medical underwriting in Florida, meaning carriers can decline coverage based on your health history. Medicare Advantage plans can be changed during Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Getting the right plan the first time is one of the best reasons to work with an independent advisor like Bayside Health Benefits before you commit.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement plan?
You are not required to have one, but Original Medicare alone leaves significant gaps. Without a Supplement, there is no out-of-pocket maximum on Part B costs, and longer hospital stays or ongoing specialist care can result in substantial bills. Whether a Supplement is right for you depends on your health history, how often you use medical services, your financial situation, and your comfort with uncertainty. At Bayside Health Benefits, we will help you evaluate the real cost of going without one so you can make an informed decision.
Let’s Find the Right Medicare Option Together
We’re not one-and-done. We’re Your Medicare Partner for Life™, here to support you today, tomorrow, and every step along the way.