# Insurance Insights · Health, Medicare & Life Insurance Blog > Plain-English insurance writing from Frankie Carlo, an independent agent in Broward County, FL. Guides on Florida health insurance, Medicare AEP, life insurance, and ACA Special Enrollment Periods. Source: https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/ --- FC Insurance · Insights # Insurance, *without the jargon.* Practical guides from an independent agent in Broward County, FL. Real questions clients ask, answered the way I'd answer them on the phone. Health, Medicare, and life insurance, written for Florida families. September 17, 2026*·*10 min read ## [Life Insurance for Diabetics and Other Pre-Existing Conditions in Florida](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-for-diabetics-florida/) How diabetes and other pre-existing conditions affect underwriting, premiums, exams, and life insurance options for Florida families. September 8, 2026*·*10 min read ## [COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace: Which Is Cheaper After a Job Loss in Florida?](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/cobra-vs-aca-marketplace-florida/) You have 60 days to decide. Real Broward County numbers comparing COBRA and ACA marketplace costs after a layoff, and how to tell which one actually wins. August 17, 2026*·*9 min read ## [How the Life Insurance Medical Exam Works (and How to Pass It)](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-medical-exam/) More people avoid life insurance because of the exam than the price. What actually happens, how to prepare, and when you can skip it entirely. August 10, 2026*·*9 min read ## [Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Florida: What They Mean and Why They Matter](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/medicare-advantage-star-ratings-florida/) How CMS scores plans from 1 to 5 stars, the 5-star Special Enrollment Period, and why the highest-rated plan isn't always the right one for you. August 4, 2026*·*9 min read ## [HMO vs PPO vs EPO in Florida: How to Choose Your Health Insurance Network](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/hmo-ppo-epo-florida-health-insurance/) Nearly every ACA plan in Florida is now an HMO or EPO, not a PPO. The real differences, referral rules, and how to check your doctors before you enroll. July 17, 2026*·*9 min read ## [Final Expense Insurance in Florida: An Honest Guide for Seniors](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/final-expense-insurance-florida/) What funerals actually cost in Florida, level vs graded benefits, realistic premiums by age, and the traps in the TV-advertised policies. Without the sales pitch. July 10, 2026*·*9 min read ## [You Hit the $2,100 Medicare Drug Cap in 2026. Now What Happens?](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/medicare-drug-cap-2026/) Part D out-of-pocket costs stop at $2,100 this year. What counts toward the cap, what changes at the pharmacy the day you cross it, and the monthly payment option. July 4, 2026*·*9 min read ## [How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Florida? A 2026 Guide](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-cost-florida/) The sticker price and what you actually pay are two different numbers. Real 2026 figures, what drives your premium, and three realistic Broward County scenarios. June 17, 2026*·*10 min read ## [Health Insurance for the Self-Employed in Florida](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/self-employed-health-insurance-florida/) No employer plan? How 1099 workers, freelancers, and small business owners in Broward County find coverage, claim the tax deduction, and handle income that jumps around. June 10, 2026*·*9 min read ## [Supplemental Insurance in Florida: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/supplemental-insurance-florida/) A high deductible plan leaves a gap. Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity policies pay you cash when life goes sideways. How they work and who actually needs them. June 4, 2026*·*10 min read ## [Turning 65 in Florida: Your New-to-Medicare Checklist](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/turning-65-medicare-florida/) Aging into Medicare can cost you for life if you miss the window. Your Initial Enrollment Period, the Part B decision, Advantage vs Medigap, and the penalties to avoid. May 12, 2026*·*9 min read ## [How to Get ACA Health Insurance in Florida Outside Open Enrollment](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/aca-health-insurance-florida-mid-year/) Missed Open Enrollment? You may still qualify. A practical walkthrough of Florida Special Enrollment Periods, what counts as a qualifying life event, and how to keep your subsidy. April 28, 2026*·*10 min read ## [Preparing for Medicare AEP 2026 in Broward County](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/medicare-aep-2026-broward-county/) The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7. Here is what to review now, what changes to expect in Florida plans, and how to avoid the most common AEP mistakes. April 8, 2026*·*8 min read ## [Term vs Whole Life Insurance for Florida Families](https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/blog/term-vs-whole-life-insurance-florida/) Term is cheap and temporary. Whole life is expensive and permanent. The right answer is rarely either or. How to size a policy that actually fits your family, your mortgage, and your budget. ### Have a *specific question?* Reading is great. Talking is faster. Call or text 954-806-5830 and we can sort out your situation in fifteen minutes, often less. --- ## Contact FC Insurance Frankie Carlo — independent Health, Medicare, Life, and Supplemental insurance agent, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. - Phone / text: +1-954-806-5830 - Email: fcarlo@healthmarkets.com - Office: 6360 NW 5th Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, US - Agent guidance: https://frankiecarloinsurance.com/llms.txt This page is informational only and is not a binding offer of coverage. All policies are subject to underwriting and carrier approval.