What you can and can't do
| You can | You can't |
|---|---|
| Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, with or without drug coverage | Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Drop Medicare Advantage, return to Original Medicare and join a standalone Part D plan | Switch from one standalone Part D plan to another while in Original Medicare |
| Make one change between January 1 and March 31 | Make a second change in the same period |
The rule is 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3). Medicare.gov describes the same window on its "Joining a plan" page.
When it helps Floridians
- Your doctor or hospital isn't in your new plan's network. If you switched for January and find a problem, you have until March 31 to move. Choices depend on your county: CMS lists 52 plans open to everyone in Hillsborough County for 2027, {{fl:plans.counties.Miami-Dade.ma:n}} in Miami-Dade and 7 in Monroe.
- Your drugs cost more than expected. Compare again, or return to Original Medicare and pick one of the 11 standalone Part D plans sold statewide.
- Your plan ended on December 31 and you were moved to Original Medicare. You have the plan-ending special enrollment period through February 28, 2027 instead; see my plan is ending in 2027.
- You're a snowbird and the plan doesn't fit your travel. A Medicare Advantage plan is tied to your permanent home's service area. Original Medicare works with any provider that accepts Medicare in any state. See snowbirds and Medicare.
Medigap isn't guaranteed in this window
Going back to Original Medicare doesn't by itself give you a right to buy Medigap. Florida has no birthday rule or yearly switching right, so a Medigap company can ask health questions unless you have a guaranteed-issue right, such as the 12-month trial right after your first Medicare Advantage plan, or your plan ending. Apply for Medigap first, then drop your plan. See can I switch to Original Medicare.
If you have another reason to change
Other rights run all year. With Florida Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change drug coverage once a month; with full Medicaid, you can also join an integrated D-SNP once a month (see D-SNPs in Florida). Retirees in the State Group Insurance Program's group Medicare Advantage (MA-PD) plans follow the State's own rules through People First; check before joining an outside plan.
Plans and agents can't call, text or visit you without your permission, in this window or any other. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. All dates are on Medicare enrollment periods.
Related questions
When is open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7.
Can I go back to Original Medicare?
And what happens with Medigap.
My plan is ending in 2027
Deadlines and steps.
Sources
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3), open enrollment period for people enrolled in MA
- Medicare.gov — Joining a plan (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period)
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods (Medicaid, Extra Help, integrated D-SNPs)
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files, contract year 2027 (plan counts)
- Florida Department of Management Services, MyBenefits — MA-PD plans for retirees
More questions in this guide
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Florida for 2027 coverage?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Florida. What do I do?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Florida?
- What is the Annual Notice of Change letter from my Medicare plan?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Florida in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Florida (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it to join Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare?
No. This period is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. People in Original Medicare can join a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, or with a special enrollment period.
I'm new to Medicare. Does the 3-month window apply to me?
Yes. If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first got Medicare, you can make one change within the first 3 months you have both Part A and Part B, even if that falls outside January to March.
Can I change my standalone Part D plan between January and March?
Not with this period, unless you're also leaving a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Florida Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change drug plans once a month.
Medicare in your Florida county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach · Hillsborough · Orange · Duval · Pinellas · Lee · Polk · Pasco · Brevard · Volusia · Seminole · Sarasota · Osceola · Manatee · Lake · Marion · Collier · St. Lucie · All 67 counties →
