Still Haven’t Switched Your Medicare Plan? You May Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

If you were enrolled in a Medicare plan that won't be offered in 2026 — such as AvMed, Cigna HealthSpring, or Aetna — and your plan was terminated, you may still have time to make a change, even if you missed the Annual Enrollment Period.

Many Florida seniors don't realize that when a Medicare plan ends, members automatically qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This SEP gives you extra time to review your options and enroll in a new plan after your old one has ended, without waiting for the next enrollment window.

🩺 Not sure if you qualify for a Medicare SEP? Talk to a licensed Florida broker in minutes. Free, no pressure, bilingual (English/Spanish). 📞 [Call Now: 800-380-6821]    💻 [Check My Eligibility →]

Can I Switch My Medicare Plan During a Special Enrollment Period?

Yes — if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan outside of the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Common SEP triggers include your current plan leaving Florida, moving to a new address, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or your plan receiving a 5-star rating.

This applies to members of all major Florida Medicare plans, including Cigna HealthSpring, Humana, AvMed (exiting Florida in 2026), Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, and Florida Blue. If your plan is leaving the state or no longer meets your needs, you may have a limited window — sometimes just 60–90 days — to switch without a lapse in coverage.

Why You Still Have Time to Change Your Medicare Plan

When a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan terminates, Medicare gives affected members additional time to select a new plan. This protects beneficiaries from losing coverage or being stuck without the benefits they need.

If your AvMed, HealthSpring, or Aetna plan ended and you haven't chosen a replacement plan yet, you may still be eligible to enroll right now. But this SEP is time-sensitive — once it ends, you'll have to wait for another enrollment period unless you qualify under a different circumstance.

Do I Qualify for a Medicare SEP in 2026?

You likely qualify if any of the following apply:

• Your current Medicare Advantage plan is terminating or leaving Florida (AvMed members: your SEP is active now)

• You recently moved to a new ZIP code or county

• You lost or gained employer or union coverage

• You became eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help (LIS)

• You're enrolled in a plan with a low CMS star rating

• You entered, lived in, or left a long-term care facility or skilled nursing home

• You were affected by a FEMA-declared emergency or disaster in your area

Not sure if you qualify? A licensed Florida Medicare broker can confirm your SEP eligibility in a 10-minute call — free of charge.

What Can I Do During a Special Enrollment Period?

During your SEP, you can:

• Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan

• Return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

• Add or change Part D prescription drug coverage

• Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you're eligible

This is your chance to make sure you have the coverage you need for 2026 — including your preferred doctors, prescriptions, hospital network, and benefits like dental, vision, and transportation.

How Long Do I Have to Use My SEP?

The length of your Special Enrollment Period depends on the qualifying event. For plan terminations (like AvMed leaving Florida), members typically have 2 full months after the plan ends to choose a new plan. For a move or loss of coverage, the window is usually 60 days. Missing the window means waiting until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) — leaving you potentially uncovered for months.

🩺 The clock is ticking on your SEP. Our licensed Florida brokers represent 14 carriers and will compare plans with you for free — including carriers that replaced AvMed, HealthSpring, and Aetna in 2026. 📞 [Call 800-380-6821   💻 [Get My Free Plan Comparison →]

Don't Wait — Get Help From a Licensed Florida Medicare Broker

If your plan was terminated and you haven't made a change yet, you are not out of options. But the clock is ticking.

The Health Experts Insurance is a licensed, bilingual Florida Medicare brokerage based in Miami-Dade. We represent 14 carriers across Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, and ACA plans — and our help is always free to you.

Call us today at 800-380-6821— there's still time to get you covered. We'll review your SEP eligibility, explain your options, and help you compare plans so you don't miss your chance to enroll.