If you live in Florida and have Medicare, your mailbox may already hold a letter about your coverage. Florida is losing more Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 than any other state. The statewide total is dropping from 611 plans to 560, a net loss of 51. The Annual Enrollment Period ends on December 7, so the time to act is now.
At Ricky Rash, we want you to understand what is changing, why it is happening, and how to protect your coverage and your budget.
What Is Happening to Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida?
Florida has one of the highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in the country. Roughly 3 million Floridians are enrolled in these plans, and tens of thousands are receiving non-renewal notices this fall.
Several changes are behind the drop:
- Carrier pullbacks. Humana has said it is exiting plans covering about 600,000 members nationwide for 2027, citing its least profitable plans. Florida is one of its largest markets.
- Local exits. In South Florida, HealthSpring is ending both of its individual plans and will not offer any in three counties. Health Care Service Corporation has also stopped offering plans in Miami-Dade County.
- A shift toward HMOs. Many insurers are moving members from wider-network PPOs to more tightly managed HMOs. The Florida market also leans heavily toward Special Needs Plans.
- Fewer drug-coverage options. In counties like Broward and Palm Beach, only about a third of plans will include prescription drug coverage in 2027.
- Trimmed extras. Zero-premium plans still exist, but many insurers are quietly cutting the supplemental benefits that fueled Florida’s Medicare Advantage growth.
Why Are Insurers Leaving?
Plan exits are mostly a business decision, not a medical one. Insurers review each county every year and drop or reshape plans that are not profitable enough. That is why a plan can vanish in one county while the same company keeps selling in the next.
If your plan is leaving, it is not a reflection of anything you did. It simply means it is time to shop around.
What Happens If Your Plan Is Discontinued?
You will receive a non-renewal notice from your insurer, usually by October. Your coverage under that plan ends on December 31, 2026. You keep Medicare, but you do need to choose new coverage. If you do nothing, you could end up on Original Medicare without drug coverage, or in a plan you did not pick.
Your Checklist Before December 7
1. Read every notice you receive
Look for your Annual Notice of Change or a non-renewal letter. These explain changes to premiums, copays, drug coverage and provider networks for next year.
2. Confirm your doctors and hospitals are in-network
Networks are getting narrower. Check that your primary care doctor, specialists and preferred hospital are covered under any plan you consider. Call the doctor’s office as well as the plan, since provider directories are not always current.
3. Re-check your prescriptions
Drug formularies change every year. Make sure each of your medications is covered, note which cost tier it falls in, and confirm that your pharmacy is in the plan’s network. With fewer plans offering drug coverage, this step matters more than ever.
4. Compare total costs, not just premiums
A $0 premium does not mean $0 in costs. Compare these side by side:
- Monthly premium
- Annual deductible
- Copays and coinsurance for visits and procedures
- Maximum out-of-pocket limit
- Prescription drug costs
- Benefits you will actually use, such as dental, vision, hearing and transportation
5. Check the star rating
Several Florida plan contracts lost ground in the 2027 star ratings, including both of Florida Blue’s major contracts. Star ratings reflect quality and member satisfaction, so look them up on the official Medicare website before you enroll.
Also Read : How Can Florida Families Balance Health Insurance and Life Insurance Costs?
6. Understand all your options
During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change your drug coverage, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you are thinking about returning to Original Medicare, learn how Medigap supplement policies work first. Eligibility and pricing for these policies depend on your situation and when you apply.
7. Get free, unbiased help
Medicare’s official helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (called SHINE in Florida) offer free plan comparisons. A licensed independent agent can also compare options across several carriers.
Key Dates to Remember
| Date | What Happens |
| October 15 – December 7, 2026 | Annual Enrollment Period: compare plans and make changes |
| December 31, 2026 | Coverage under a discontinued plan ends |
| January 1, 2027 | New coverage begins |
| January 1 – March 31, 2027 | Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for current plan members |
If you miss December 7, you may still have limited options. Losing your plan can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, but you should not rely on it. Act before the deadline.
Conclusion
Losing 51 Medicare Advantage plans is a big shake-up for Florida’s Medicare market, but it does not have to mean lost coverage or surprise bills. Review your notices, verify your doctors and prescriptions, compare total costs, and make your decision before December 7.
Need help comparing Medicare Advantage plans in florida? The team at Ricky Rash can walk you through your options and help you find coverage that fits your health needs and your budget. Reach out today, before the deadline passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will I lose Medicare if my Medicare Advantage plan leaves?
No. Only your private plan is ending. You can choose another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
Q2. Can I keep my doctor?
Not automatically. Always verify network participation with both the doctor’s office and the new plan before enrolling.
Q3. Is it too late to switch?
Not yet. Changes made by December 7 take effect on January 1, 2027.
Q4. What if I’m happy with my current plan?
Review your Annual Notice of Change anyway. Even plans that are staying can adjust their premiums, copays, formularies and networks.