How Do I Switch From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

by | Mar 1, 2026 | health insurance agency

a light switch with the words Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare on either side.
Learn how to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, including when you can enroll and what added benefits you may receive. This guide explains eligibility rules, enrollment periods, and how licensed agents can help you compare plans at no additional cost.

Ready to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage and wondering how hard it really is?

Medicare AdvantageThe answer is simple. You enroll in a plan during the Annual Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period, and once your new coverage begins, it replaces your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurer.

More Americans are making this change each year. In 2024, over 30 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage, representing more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, according to KFF.

At Absolute Best Insurance, we have helped clients across Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Micco (Sebastian) make this switch for over 20 years. Our licensed agents guide you through the process at no additional cost.

You get personalized advice and clear answers so you can move forward with confidence.

What It Means to Switch From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

When you switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, you are choosing to receive your Part A hospital coverage and Part B medical coverage through a private insurance company instead of directly through the federal government.

You must:

  • Be enrolled in both Part A and Part B
  • Live in the service area of the plan you choose

Once your new plan becomes active, you are automatically disenrolled from Original Medicare.

“Many people think the process is complicated, but it is actually very straightforward. The key is reviewing your options carefully before you enroll.” 
– Stacy Murphy, Owner and Operator of Absolute Best Insurance.

What You Get Beyond Part A and Part B

One reason so many people switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage is the added benefits.

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include:

  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Dental services
  • Vision exams and glasses
  • Hearing exams and hearing aids
  • Fitness memberships such as SilverSneakers
  • Over-the-counter allowances

If you live in Deerfield Beach near Hillsboro Boulevard and Federal Highway, or in Tamarac near University Drive and Commercial Boulevard, you may want access to coordinated care networks that include nearby facilities like Broward Health North.

In Port St. Lucie near St. Lucie West or along Gatlin Boulevard, many clients value plans that work with providers connected to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. In Vero Beach near US 1, some beneficiaries prefer networks that include Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

“Every client has different priorities,” Stacy Murphy explains. “Some want strong prescription coverage. Others care more about dental or fitness benefits. We look at the full picture before recommending a plan.”

When You Can Switch Each Year

Timing matters.

Annual Enrollment Period

The primary time to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage is during the Annual Enrollment Period.

  • October 15 through December 7
  • Coverage begins January 1

During this period, you can compare Medicare Advantage Plans using Medicare’s Plan Finder at https://www.medicare.gov and enroll online, by phone, or with the help of one of our dedicated agents.

Special Enrollment Periods

You may qualify to switch outside of the standard dates if you meet certain conditions.

Common Special Enrollment Period triggers include:

  • Moving to a new service area
  • Losing employer or union coverage
  • Gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility
  • Your current plan is leaving Medicare

For example, if you relocate from Deerfield Beach to Port St. Lucie near Tradition or St. Lucie West, that move may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

“We always verify eligibility before submitting an application,” says Stacy Murphy. “Missing a window can delay coverage changes, so it is important to review your situation carefully.”

How Easy Is the Process?

If you qualify and it is the right enrollment period, the process is simple.

  • Confirm you are enrolled in Part A and Part B.
  • Compare Medicare Advantage Plans available in your ZIP code.
  • Enroll in the plan you choose.
  • Your new coverage begins on the effective date.

That is it.

When you switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, your new plan manages your benefits. You still have Medicare. You are simply receiving your coverage through a private insurer.

Our agents meet with clients in Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Micco Sebastian. We also work with clients across Broward County and the Space Coast.

And there is no additional cost for our help.

Why Work With Absolute Best Insurance?

Absolute Best Insurance has been serving South Florida for over 20 years. We specialize in health coverage, ACA insurance, Medicare plans, life insurance, and dental coverage.

We:

  • Review your doctors and prescriptions
  • Compare Medicare Advantage Plans side by side
  • Explain costs, networks, and benefits clearly
  • Provide ongoing support after you enroll

Whether you live near University Hospital in Tamarac, along Atlantic Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, near Okeechobee Boulevard in Greenacres, or by Indian River Drive in Vero Beach, our team is available to guide you.

“Our role is to help you ask the right questions,” says Stacy Murphy. “We want you to feel confident about your decision, not rushed into it.”

Ready to Make the Change?

If you are thinking about making the move, now is the time to review your options. Switching coverage can open the door to added benefits and coordinated care.

Talk with a licensed agent who understands the rules, the deadlines, and the local provider networks from Broward County to the Treasure Coast.

Reach out to Absolute Best Insurance. We’ll help you find the right coverage at no additional cost to you. Click here or give our team a call for a free, no-obligation quote. We even make house calls!