Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
This is the main window, and it is open now: October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. You can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, move between it and Original Medicare, and add or drop drug coverage.
The plan must get your request by December 7.
The January – March window and special cases
If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another one or return to Original Medicare from January 1 – March 31, or within your first 3 months of Medicare. The change starts the first of the month after the plan gets your request.
Outside those windows, a Special Enrollment Period may let you change plans, for example if you move, lose or change other coverage, qualify for Medicaid, or get Extra Help with drug costs.
| Window | Dates | New coverage starts |
|---|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | October 15 – December 7, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 (or your first 3 months of Medicare) | First of the month after the plan gets your request |
| Special Enrollment Period | After certain events, such as a move or losing coverage | Depends on the event |
The Medigap catch
Going back to Original Medicare is easy. Getting a Medigap policy afterward may not be. Florida has no Medigap birthday rule, so outside your one-time window a company can ask health questions and turn you down.
One exception: if you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65 and leave within a year, you can buy any Medigap policy without health questions. Read when you can buy Medigap before you switch. Bring your current plan and your prescription list; we’ll do the comparison with you.