Annual Enrollment Period
How to Change Plans or Add to Your 2026 Medicare Coverage
Every year, the Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) opens a window of opportunity for millions of Floridians. From October 15 to December 7, you have the chance to review your current plan, switch to a better one, or add extra coverage for the year ahead. If you want to make changes that start on January 1, 2026, this is your moment.
According to Aetna, many people miss out on potential savings and better benefits because they don’t take full advantage of this opportunity.
This is when you’re allowed to switch your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, add prescription drug coverage (Part D), or go back to Original Medicare, depending on your situation. The window only comes once a year, so it’s important to act.
At Absolute Best Insurance, we make this process easier. Our licensed agents offer free, local help across seven Florida cities. Whether you live near University Hospital in Tamarac, Tradition Parkway in Port St. Lucie, or close to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, our team will walk you through your options and help you switch Medicare coverage if it makes sense for your needs.
Table of Contents
What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
This is a set time each fall when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug coverage. It’s your opportunity to review your current plan, compare it to others, and make updates that better fit your needs for the year ahead.
Changes you make during this time go into effect on January 1, 2026. You can:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Go from Original Medicare to a Part C plan
- Add or drop a prescription drug plan
- Switch from one drug plan to another
According to UnitedHealthcare, the AEP gives you a chance to reassess your health needs and costs, especially if your current plan is changing for the next year.
Who Can Switch or Add to Their 2026 Medicare Coverage?
If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, you qualify for the AEP. This includes people with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or stand-alone drug plans. You don’t need a special reason to make changes during this period.
You can change coverage to find a better network, lower out-of-pocket costs, or add benefits like dental, vision, or transportation. Many plans also change their premiums or formularies from year to year, which means a better fit may be available.
It’s natural to assume your current plan is still the best option, but that’s not always true. Formularies change, provider networks shift, and new plans enter the market each year. If you’ve moved, started new medications, or experienced any changes in your health, now is the time to explore your options. Even a small switch can lead to better benefits or lower monthly costs.
When the AEP Happens and Why It Matters
The annual enrollment period takes place from October 15 to December 7, but many people wait too long to explore their options. That short window can pass quickly, especially during the holidays.
Plans can change their networks, covered medications, or out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t review your plan, you might pay more or lose access to your preferred providers. The changes you make during the AEP are the ones that will shape your coverage for the entire upcoming year.
If you’re unhappy with your current coverage, don’t wait!
Your new plan will start on January 1, 2026.
Understanding the Other Enrollment Periods
While this is the main time to switch Medicare coverage, it’s not the only option. Here’s how other periods work:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. WARNING – missing your IEP can cause monthly penalties for the life of your plan when you do sign up.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You may qualify for SEP if you move, lose employer coverage, or have other qualifying events.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 to March 31, for people who missed signing up during their IEP.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): From January 1 to March 31, it lets you switch Part C plans or go back to Original Medicare.
Each period has its own rules and timing, so it’s important to know which one applies to you.
How Absolute Best Insurance Helps You (At No Cost)
Our help doesn’t cost you a thing! We offer personalized support to help you compare options, check formularies, and confirm doctor participation.
We’ll explain what each plan includes and help you switch Medicare coverage if a better fit is available. We also know how to keep your monthly premiums low and your benefits strong.
We can even come to you if needed. Our agents make house calls in Micco, Deerfield Beach, Tamarac, Greenacres, and Port St. Lucie, and we’re also available in Melbourne and Vero Beach.
Stacy Murphy adds, “We believe no one should have to pay for help making an informed decision. Our service is always free, and we’re here to answer every question.”
Local Help Near You: Offices from Broward to the Space Coast
We serve a wide range of communities across Florida. Here’s how we help in your city:
- Tamarac: Our office is near University Hospital. We help seniors around McNab Road and Commercial Blvd.
- Deerfield Beach: Visit us just off Hillsboro Blvd, near Broward Health North.
- Greenacres: This is our home office, close to Jog Road, serving clients in and near Wellington.
- Port St. Lucie: Our team serves the Tradition area and clients near St. Lucie Medical Center.
- Melbourne: Meet us near US-1 and Holmes Regional Medical Center.
- Vero Beach: We serve residents from Oslo Road up to Cleveland Clinic Indian River.
- Micco (Sebastian): Located near Roseland Road, just minutes from Sebastian River Medical Center.
We make it easy to change plans or explore new options during the AEP. If you need in-person help, we’re nearby and ready to assist.
FAQs
When is the Medicare annual enrollment period?
October 15 to December 7 each year.
Who can change their plan during the AEP?
Anyone currently enrolled in Medicare, including those with Part C or drug plans.
What changes can I make?
You can switch plans, add or drop drug coverage, or return to Original Medicare.
Is your help really free?
Yes. There’s no cost to work with us, and you’ll get expert, personalized guidance to help you choose the right plan for your needs.
Can I meet someone in person?
Absolutely. We have offices across South Florida and also offer home visits if needed.
Let Our Team of Dedicated Agents Help
If you’re ready to make changes during the Medicare annual enrollment period, reach out to Absolute Best Insurance today. We’ll help you review your options, switch Medicare coverage if needed, and walk you through every step of the process, at no cost to you.
Let us help you find a plan that fits your life, now and in the future. Click here or give our team a call for a free, no-obligation quote.
Tamarac: (954) 642-2101
Deerfield Beach: (754) 778-8700
Greenacres & Vero Beach: (561) 420-0280
Port St. Lucie & Melbourne: (772) 828-2840
Sebastian (Micco): (772) 321-0813