Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist for Florida Seniors 2026
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 - December 7. Use this complete checklist to review your coverage, compare plans, and make the right changes for 2026.
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) -- October 15 through December 7 -- is the most important time of year for Medicare beneficiaries. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year.
Many Florida seniors make the mistake of doing nothing during AEP, assuming their current plan is still the best option. But plans change every year -- premiums, benefits, drug formularies, and provider networks all shift. What was the right plan last year may not be the right plan this year.
Use this complete checklist to make sure you're making the most of Open Enrollment.
Before Open Enrollment: Gather Your Information
✅ Collect Your Current Plan Documents
- Your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) -- mailed by September 30 each year
- Your current Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
- Your Medicare card (red, white, and blue)
- Your current plan's member ID card
✅ Make a List of Your Doctors
Write down every doctor, specialist, and healthcare provider you see regularly:
- Primary care physician
- Cardiologist, endocrinologist, or other specialists
- Mental health providers
- Physical therapists
- Any providers you expect to need in the coming year
✅ Make a List of Your Prescriptions
For each medication, note:
- Drug name (generic and brand)
- Dosage (mg)
- Frequency (how many times per day/week)
- Pharmacy where you fill it
✅ Note Any Upcoming Medical Needs
Are you planning any procedures, surgeries, or treatments in the coming year? These can significantly affect which plan is best for you.
Review Your Current Plan's Changes
✅ Read Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Your plan is required to send you an ANOC by September 30. This document summarizes all changes to your plan for the coming year. Look for:
- Premium changes
- Deductible changes
- Copay and coinsurance changes
- Changes to your drug formulary (which drugs are covered)
- Network changes (are your doctors still in-network?)
- Changes to extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance)
✅ Check If Your Doctors Are Still In-Network
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, verify that all your doctors are still in the plan's network for the coming year. Networks change annually. Call each doctor's office or check the plan's online directory.
✅ Check Your Drug Formulary
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage or a standalone Part D plan, verify that all your medications are still covered at the same tier. Formulary changes can significantly affect your out-of-pocket drug costs.
Compare Your Options
✅ Use Medicare's Plan Finder Tool
Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code, medications, and preferred pharmacies. The tool will show you all available plans in your area and estimate your total annual costs.
✅ Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
For each plan you're considering, evaluate:
- Monthly premium (including Part B premium)
- Maximum out-of-pocket limit -- this is your annual financial protection cap
- Deductibles for medical and drug coverage
- Copays for primary care, specialists, urgent care, and emergency room
- Drug coverage -- check your specific medications
- Provider network -- are your doctors included?
- Extra benefits -- dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, fitness, transportation
- Star rating -- higher-rated plans generally provide better care
✅ Compare Part D Plans (If You Have Original Medicare)
If you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan, you need a standalone Part D plan. Compare:
- Monthly premium
- Annual deductible (up to $590 in 2026)
- Drug formulary -- are your medications covered?
- Tier placement -- what tier are your drugs on?
- Preferred pharmacy network -- does your pharmacy qualify for lower cost-sharing?
- Coverage gap -- how does the plan handle costs after the initial coverage limit?
✅ Consider Whether Medigap Is Right for You
If you currently have Medicare Advantage and are frustrated with network restrictions, prior authorizations, or unpredictable costs, AEP is a good time to evaluate switching to Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan.
Note: Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap may require medical underwriting in Florida (outside of guaranteed issue periods). If you're in good health, this is worth exploring.
Make Your Decision
✅ Calculate Your Total Annual Costs
Don't just compare monthly premiums. Calculate your estimated total annual cost including:
- Monthly premiums × 12
- Expected copays for doctor visits
- Expected drug costs
- Estimated cost-sharing for any planned procedures
✅ Consider Your Risk Tolerance
- If you want predictable costs and nationwide provider access → Medigap Plan G
- If you want lower premiums and are comfortable with networks → Medicare Advantage
- If you're healthy and have savings → High-Deductible Plan G or a lower-premium MA plan
- If you have chronic conditions → Prioritize low out-of-pocket maximums and comprehensive drug coverage
✅ Don't Forget the Star Ratings
CMS rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on a 1-5 star scale. Plans with 4 or 5 stars generally provide better quality care and customer service. Avoid plans with 2 stars or below.
Enroll or Make Changes
✅ Know Your Enrollment Deadlines
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 - December 7
- Changes take effect: January 1
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 - March 31 (allows one change if you're already in an MA plan)
✅ How to Enroll or Make Changes
- Online: medicare.gov/plan-compare
- By phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- Through a licensed broker: Free service, no cost to you
✅ Confirm Your Enrollment
After enrolling or making changes, you should receive a confirmation. Verify:
- Your new plan's effective date (January 1)
- Your new member ID card arrives before January 1
- Your doctors and pharmacy are aware of your new plan
After Open Enrollment
✅ Update Your Providers
Notify your doctors, specialists, and pharmacy of your new plan information. Bring your new member ID card to your first appointment of the year.
✅ Review Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
In January, start reviewing your monthly EOBs to make sure claims are being processed correctly under your new plan.
✅ Mark Next Year's AEP on Your Calendar
October 15 - December 7. Set a reminder now so you don't miss it next year.
Get Help from an Independent Broker
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment alone can be overwhelming. As an independent Medicare specialist, I compare plans from 60+ carriers at no cost to you. I can:
- Pull up all available plans in your ZIP code
- Check your specific doctors and medications against each plan
- Calculate your estimated total annual costs
- Explain the tradeoffs between Medicare Advantage and Medigap
- Help you enroll in the plan that's right for you
Call me at (386) 871-3858 or schedule a free consultation at calendly.com/themedicaredude/75. There's no obligation and no cost -- I'm paid by the insurance carriers, never by you.
Related guides:
- Medicare Advantage plans in Florida
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Florida
- Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- Medicare resources for Palm Coast seniors
- Medicare resources for Daytona Beach seniors
- Medicare resources for Jacksonville seniors
- Medicare resources for St. Augustine seniors
William Gray is an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Florida (License #W690237). He represents 60+ carriers and helps Florida seniors find the right coverage for their individual needs.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.
