By Quentin Fottrell

‘The issue is not the weather, high insurance premiums or rising maintenance fees’

“The hospitals in the New York/New Jersey area are outstanding.” (Photo subject is a model.)

Dear Quentin,

I’m considering relocating from New Jersey to Florida, condo to condo. The cost of living – especially property taxes – can be challenging here. When you no longer have children in the school system, it’s hard to justify the high property taxes in certain towns.

The issue is not the weather, high insurance premiums or rising maintenance fees. My brother in Tampa has experienced differences in medical care that concern me as a senior. He says there can be weeks or even months of waiting to see a doctor, and sometimes it’s difficult to get answers.

The hospitals in the New York/New Jersey area are outstanding. As a senior, healthcare is important to me, and I’m thinking twice about moving. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to maintain two residences. I would welcome hearing your thoughts.

Tristate Area Resident

You can email The Moneyist with any financial and ethical questions at qfottrell@marketwatch.com. The Moneyist regrets he cannot reply to questions individually.

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Data and anecdotal evidence suggest you have reason to be concerned about the impact of demographics on the healthcare system in Florida.

Dear Tristate,

At least you are not concerned about the humidity.

You’re not wrong. Medical care in Florida, as in many other states, is overextended. In Florida, the growing population in general and the aging demographic in particular are putting pressure on hospitals and medical practices, and that is exacerbated by staffing shortages. All that results in longer wait times. The Sunshine State tops the list for physician shortages, according to a 2026 report by Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a staffing agency.

“The clinical workforce continues to experience the effects of sustained demand, burnout, and staffing instability,” the report says. “While these pressures are not new, they are becoming harder to absorb as patient needs grow more complex, driven by an aging population, higher acuity, and shifting patient expectations.” Many hospitals are experiencing shortages in nurses, medical technologists, respiratory therapists and imaging professionals.

Metropolitan areas tend to be better served. “Rural hospitals continue to operate under significant financial pressure, with margins well below the national median and a growing share at immediate risk of closure,” Medicus adds. “Rising costs, declining rural populations, reimbursement shifts toward Medicare Advantage, and potential changes to Medicaid funding are contributing to strain on the rural hospital business model.”

Data and anecdotal evidence suggest you have reason to be concerned about the impact of demographics on the healthcare system in Florida – not that there aren’t scores of hardworking nurses, doctors, orderlies and administration staff there helping people live longer and healthier lives. Florida received an F grade (23.8 out of 80 points) from the Healthcare Value Hub, ranking 41st out of 48 states graded, due to high costs and poor performance for affordability in this study.

A separate Healthcare Value Hub survey found that more than three in five adults in Florida “experienced at least one health care affordability burden within the past year,” while four out of five “worry about affording health care in the future.” In addition, “lower-income respondents and respondents with disabilities are more likely to go without care and incur debt due to health care costs,” the researchers said. “Across party lines, respondents express strong support for government-led solutions.”

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Anecdotal evidence

Check sites like Leapfrog, U.S. News & World Report and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Care Compare for hospital ratings in the area you plan to live. “I live in a wealthy area of Florida – everyone is rich but me,” this Moneyist Facebook Group member wrote. “Unfortunately, I’ve had very poor experiences with local medical care. I have a couple of serious conditions that need regular monitoring. Because of this, I drive five hours to Jacksonville to go to the Mayo Clinic for most of my care.”

Other members of the Moneyist Facebook Group also say they’ve experienced those shortages firsthand. “I moved out of Florida after 25 years, and medical care was one reason,” one person wrote. “The medical system in Florida is overwhelmed by new arrivals and the aging population. New doctors and support staff often cannot afford to move there. You may have difficulty getting into certain practices – dermatology, for example, can be particularly difficult.”

When looking at condos, “you should also pay attention to the age and height of the building,” he added. “Buildings that are three stories or lower are exempt from more stringent regulatory (and costly) requirements. Older buildings – especially those built before 2005 – may face high assessments and frequent special assessments. Unless you can get one at a ‘fire sale’ price, they may be best avoided.” In addition to condo fees, the average Florida resident pays over $5,800 a year in property insurance.

Another Moneyist reader reports mixed experiences. “My brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had surgery, recovery and follow-up care. He was on Medicare/Medicaid and received excellent treatment because everything was covered. However, has seen his copayments increase, and doctors have changed billing and treatment practices. Your healthcare depends on your insurance coverage and how much you can afford out of pocket.”

For what it’s worth, you may not get a definitive answer until you move and experience the healthcare system there firsthand. Much will depend on where you live, your insurance and whether, for example, you purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), which can help you obtain faster, more flexible and arguably more comprehensive medical treatment. It could also depend on what kind of treatment you may someday require.

Think about renting a place for a year, and see how it goes.

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More columns from Quentin Fottrell:

‘I don’t own a home’: I’m 62, unemployed and have $1.5 million for retirement. Can I afford to divorce my husband?

‘My parents begged me never to put him in a home’: I have taken care of my disabled brother my entire life. Am I doing enough?

‘When he doesn’t get money, he becomes angry’: My brother has led a life of chaos and financial ruin. What is my moral obligation?

Check out The Moneyist’s private Facebook group, where members help answer life’s thorniest money issues. Post your questions, or weigh in on the latest Moneyist columns.

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-Quentin Fottrell

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  03-15-26 0822ET
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