The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the most important window of the year for Medicare beneficiaries. In 2026, it carries extra urgency due to widespread carrier exits affecting Florida seniors. Here is everything you need to know about AEP 2026.
AEP Dates and What You Can Change
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year.
During AEP you can: switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, add or change a Part D prescription drug plan, or switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
What you cannot do during AEP: enroll in Medigap without underwriting (unless you have a separate Guaranteed Issue right), change your Medicare Part A or Part B enrollment, or make changes that take effect before January 1.
How This AEP Differs Due to Carrier Exits
AEP 2026 is unlike any in recent memory. Humana and UHC are exiting hundreds of Florida counties, meaning millions of seniors are not just shopping for better plans — they are being forced to find new coverage. The volume of plan changes expected during this AEP will be the highest in Florida history.
This creates both urgency and opportunity. The urgency: if your plan is being cancelled, you must act by December 7. The opportunity: with Guaranteed Issue rights triggered by your non-renewal, you can access Medigap plans that would normally require medical underwriting.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs January 1 through March 31. During OEP, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You cannot use OEP to enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time.
Special Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow plan changes outside AEP when certain life events occur. The most common SEPs in 2026 will be triggered by plan non-renewals. Other SEPs include moving to a new service area, losing other coverage, and qualifying for Extra Help with drug costs.
How to Prepare for AEP 2026
- Review your current plan's Annual Notice of Change (arrives September 30)
- List all your current doctors and confirm they are in any new plan's network
- List all your prescriptions and check the new plan's formulary
- Compare the maximum out-of-pocket limits across plans
- Consider whether a Medigap plan makes more sense given the carrier instability
Common AEP Mistakes
The most common mistake is waiting until late November or December to start shopping. The best plans in high-demand counties can reach capacity. Agents become unavailable as demand spikes. Start your research in October when AEP opens.
The second most common mistake is choosing based on premium alone. A $0 premium plan with a $9,000 out-of-pocket maximum can cost far more than a $50/month plan with a $3,000 maximum if you have significant health needs.
Call (435) 612-1009 for free help navigating AEP 2026.