Your deadlines
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2026 | Open enrollment ends. You can choose any plan sold in your county. |
| December 31, 2026 | Last day to choose for coverage starting January 1, 2027, with no gap. Your old plan ends this day. |
| February 28, 2027 | Your special enrollment period ends. Coverage starts the first of the month after you choose. |
| 63 days after your plan ends | Last day to apply for Medigap with guaranteed-issue rights. |
What to do now
- Keep your non-renewal letter. Medigap companies may ask for it as proof of your guaranteed-issue right.
- List your doctors, hospital, pharmacy and drugs.
- Decide which path you want. Another Medicare Advantage plan in your county, or Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan and, if you choose, a Medigap policy. Every Florida county still has regular Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, and 11 standalone Part D plans are sold statewide.
- Compare and enroll. See plans for your ZIP code, use Medicare's Plan Finder, or request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Why the Medigap right matters in Florida
Florida has no Medigap birthday rule or yearly switching right, so outside your first 6 months with Part B at 65, a Medigap company can usually ask health questions and turn you down. Because your plan is ending, you can buy Medigap Plan A, B, D, G, K or L (or C or F if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020) from any company selling it in Florida, with no health questions. Apply as early as 60 days before your plan ends and no later than 63 days after. Use the right only if you go to Original Medicare, not if you join another Medicare Advantage plan.
Two Florida rules help once you buy. Florida bans attained-age pricing, so your premium can't go up just because you get older (it can still rise for everyone in the plan, with the Office of Insurance Regulation's approval). And you have 30 days to return a new policy for a full refund (Fla. Stat. 627.674). Problems with a Medigap company or an agent go to the Florida Department of Financial Services Consumer Helpline, 1-877-693-5236. More on Medigap in Florida.
If you have Florida Medicaid or retiree coverage
- Florida Medicaid or Extra Help: you can change drug plans, or leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare with a drug plan, once a calendar month. With full Medicaid you can also join an integrated D-SNP once a month. Your Florida Medicaid doesn't end when a Medicare plan does. See D-SNPs in Florida.
- Retiree group plans: if your coverage comes through the State Group Insurance Program, a local government or a former employer, ask them before you join an individual plan. Companies and counties are on Florida plans ending in 2027.
Related questions
Which companies are leaving Florida?
What CMS data shows.
Can I switch to Original Medicare?
When and how.
What is the Annual Notice of Change?
Versus a non-renewal letter.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods (plan contract not renewed: December 8 to the last day of February)
- Medicare.gov — When can I buy a Medigap policy? (60 days before to 63 days after)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(b)(1), special election period when a plan is discontinued
- Florida Statutes — s. 627.674, Medigap minimum standards (30-day free look)
- Florida Statutes — s. 627.410(6)(d), attained-age premium structures prohibited
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Florida Department of Financial Services — Consumer Helpline
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan after January 1 in Florida?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Florida for 2027 coverage?
- 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
What happens if I do nothing?
On January 1, 2027 you go back to Original Medicare automatically, but without Part D drug coverage. You can still join a plan through February 28, 2027, with coverage starting the first of the month after you enroll.
Will I pay a Part D late penalty if I have a gap?
A late enrollment penalty can apply if you go 63 days or more in a row without creditable drug coverage. Choosing by December 31 avoids any gap.
Can my doctor still see me in January?
If you choose Original Medicare, any doctor who accepts Medicare can see you, anywhere in the U.S. If you choose a new Medicare Advantage plan, check that your doctors and hospital are in its 2027 network before you enroll.
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 →
