Direct answer: Most people with Medicare can switch plans in two windows.
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes start January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31, for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. It allows one change.
Outside those windows, you need a Special Enrollment Period tied to an event, such as moving or losing other coverage. Medigap follows separate rules. For 2027 coverage, Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.
Every Medicare enrollment window
| Window | Dates | Who can use it | What you can do | When changes start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months: 3 months before the month you turn 65, that month, and 3 months after | People newly eligible | Sign up for Parts A and B; join a Medicare Advantage or drug plan | Depends on the month you sign up |
| Annual Enrollment Period (Open Enrollment) | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Everyone with Medicare | Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage; switch Medicare Advantage plans; join, switch or drop a drug plan | Jan 1 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | People already in a Medicare Advantage plan | One change: another Medicare Advantage plan, or Original Medicare with an optional stand-alone drug plan | First day of the month after the plan gets your request |
| General Enrollment Period | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | People who missed Part A (if they pay a premium for it) or Part B sign-up | Sign up for Part A and/or Part B | First day of the month after you sign up |
| Special Enrollment Periods | Depend on the event | People with a qualifying event | Depends on the event | Depends on the event |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months, starting the first month you are 65 or older and have Part B | New Part B enrollees 65 and older | Buy any Medigap policy sold in Florida without medical underwriting | Per the policy |
Common Special Enrollment Periods
| Event | What you can do | Window |
|---|---|---|
| You move out of your plan's service area | Switch Medicare Advantage or drug plan, or return to Original Medicare | Starts the month you move and lasts 2 full months after. If you tell the plan in advance, it can start the month before you move |
| You have Medicaid or get Extra Help | Switch drug plans, or leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare with a stand-alone drug plan | Once per calendar month; the change starts the first of the next month |
| A 5-star plan is available in your area | Switch to that 5-star plan | Once, using the 5-star Special Enrollment Period |
| You joined Medicare Advantage when you first turned 65 | Drop it for Original Medicare, with special Medigap rights | 12 months after you first join |
| You lose employer or union coverage | Join a Medicare Advantage or drug plan | 2 months after the coverage ends |
This list is not exhaustive. Medicare.gov lists every Special Enrollment Period and its timing.
What changes in Annual Enrollment?
Plans can change premiums, networks, drug lists and benefits every January 1. Your plan must send an Annual Notice of Change by September 30. Use it to see what changes for next year, then check every doctor, pharmacy and prescription against the new plan documents. For 2027:
- The Part D out-of-pocket limit rises to $2,400 (up from $2,100 in 2026).
- The Medicare Advantage in-network out-of-pocket ceiling is $9,850.
See the Polk County Annual Enrollment checklist.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: one change only
From January 1 to March 31, if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one switch:
- to another Medicare Advantage plan, or
- back to Original Medicare, adding a stand-alone drug plan if you want one.
You cannot use this window to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage, or to switch stand-alone drug plans while staying in Original Medicare.
Can I switch Medigap plans any time in Florida?
You can apply at any time. Outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a federal guaranteed-issue right, an insurer can use medical underwriting and can decline you. Check underwriting before you drop a Medigap policy or leave Original Medicare. See Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement.
Before you change anything
- Confirm which window applies to you.
- List every doctor, facility, pharmacy and prescription.
- Check each one on the exact new plan and plan year.
- Compare total yearly cost, not only the premium.
- Confirm the start date so you have no gap.
Call (863) 640-3102 A review does not enroll you or change your coverage.
Related reading
- Can I leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare?
- Can I keep my doctor if I switch Medicare plans?
- Turning 65 Medicare checklist
- What is the penalty for late Medicare sign-up?
- Medicare help in Lakeland
Common questions
When can I switch Medicare plans in Florida?
During the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment from January 1 to March 31 if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, or during a Special Enrollment Period if a qualifying event applies to you.
What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
It runs October 15 through December 7 each year. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch or drop a drug plan. Changes generally take effect January 1.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
It runs January 1 through March 31 for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can make one change: to another Medicare Advantage plan, or to Original Medicare with the option to join a stand-alone drug plan. The change takes effect the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.
Can I switch Medicare plans outside those windows?
Only with a Special Enrollment Period. Examples include moving out of your plan's service area, having Medicaid or Extra Help, losing employer coverage, or a 5-star plan being available. The allowed change and timing depend on the event.
Can I switch Medigap plans any time in Florida?
You can apply any time, but outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed-issue right, the insurer can use medical underwriting and may decline your application.
Sources
- Medicare.gov, Joining a plan (enrollment periods)
- Medicare.gov, Special Enrollment Periods
- Medicare.gov, When can I sign up for Medicare
- Medicare.gov, Medigap
- CMS, CY2027 Rate Announcement (Part D out-of-pocket threshold $2,400)
- CMS, Final CY2027 Part C Bid Review Memorandum, Apr 22, 2026 (mandatory in-network MOOP $9,850; combined $14,800)