Automatic Reassignment of Florida Managed Care Plans: Solutions for Navigating the 120-Day Change Period
- Ask Medicaid Florida
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
Automatic reassignment into a Florida Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) plan is one of the most disruptive events beneficiaries face. It often happens with little warning and can instantly change doctors, pharmacies, specialists, and prescriptions. The good news: Florida allows a 120-day change period, and beneficiaries who act quickly can reverse or fix most problems.
This article breaks down why automatic reassignment happens, what the 120-day rule really means, and step-by-step solutions to protect care and coverage.
Why Florida Automatically Reassigns Managed Care Plans
Florida Medicaid auto-assigns members when:
A Medicaid plan leaves a county or exits the program
A beneficiary fails to choose a plan during open enrollment
Eligibility is renewed and the prior plan is no longer available
The state rebalances enrollment among plans
A beneficiary moves counties
When this happens, the state assigns a plan based on location, availability, and limited historical data—not on provider relationships or medical needs.
Result: loss of continuity of care.
The Real Impact of Automatic Reassignment
Automatic reassignment can cause immediate problems, including:
Primary care physician no longer in-network
Specialists dropped mid-treatment
Prescription medications no longer covered
Prior authorizations canceled
Delays in ongoing therapy or home health services
These issues are common—but they are fixable during the 120-day window.
Understanding Florida’s 120-Day Change Period
Florida Medicaid gives most beneficiaries 120 days from the effective date of enrollment to change their managed care plan for any reason.
Key facts:
The clock starts on the plan’s effective date, not when you notice the change
No documentation is required during this period
You can switch plans once during the 120 days
The change usually takes effect the first day of the next month
Miss this window and your options become severely limited.
Step-by-Step Solution: How to Fix an Automatic Reassignment
Step 1: Confirm Your New Plan Immediately
Check your plan as soon as you receive:
A Medicaid notice
A new insurance card
Pharmacy denial
Doctor office rejection
Verify enrollment through:
State enrollment system (Choice Counseling)
Your Medicaid portal
Your managed care plan directly
Time matters.
Step 2: Compare Plans Based on Providers, Not Brand Names
Do not choose a plan based on advertising.
Instead, confirm:
Your primary care doctor is in-network
Specialists accept the plan
Your pharmacy participates
Prescription drugs are on the formulary
If even one critical provider is missing, switching is usually the best option.
Step 3: Change Plans During the 120-Day Window
Request a plan change as soon as you identify a problem.
You can change:
Online through the state system
By phone with a Medicaid choice counselor
Document:
Date of request
Confirmation number
Representative name
Keep proof.
Step 4: Use Continuity of Care if You’re Mid-Treatment
If you’re:
Pregnant
Undergoing cancer treatment
Receiving behavioral health care
In post-surgical recovery
Request Continuity of Care from the new plan. Florida Medicaid allows temporary coverage with existing providers while transitions occur.
This is a critical safety net many beneficiaries never use.
Step 5: Escalate If Care Is Interrupted
If the new plan causes delays or denials:
File a grievance with the plan
Request expedited review for urgent care
Contact Medicaid directly if necessary
Unresolved issues within the 120 days strengthen your case for switching.
What Happens If You Miss the 120-Day Deadline?
After 120 days, you are locked into the plan unless you qualify for Good Cause, such as:
Provider access failures
Incorrect plan assignment
Medical necessity conflicts
Good Cause requests require documentation and take longer to resolve. Avoid this if possible.
Good Cause Plan Change Appeal Template
To: [Medicaid Managed Care Plan / State Medicaid Office]
From: [Your Full Name]
Medicaid ID #: [Your ID Number]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Subject: Request for Good Cause Plan Change
Dear [Plan/Office Name],
I am requesting a Good Cause change from my current Medicaid Managed Care plan, [Current Plan Name], to [Requested Plan Name]. My current plan does not meet my healthcare needs due to the following reason(s):
☐ Primary care provider not in-network
☐ Specialist care disrupted
☐ Prescription medications not covered
☐ Ongoing treatment interrupted
☐ Excessive travel or access issues
☐ Other: [Describe]
Supporting Documentation Attached:
[List medical letters, denial notices, appointment records, prescription issues, etc.]
I request that my plan change be approved as soon as possible to maintain continuity of care and access to medically necessary services.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Mailing Address]
Tips for Submission:
Attach all supporting documentation.
Keep copies of everything submitted.
Follow up if no response within 7–10 days.
Prevention Strategy: Avoid Future Automatic Reassignments
To reduce future disruptions:
Always select a plan during open enrollment
Update address changes immediately
Review Medicaid mail monthly
Keep copies of enrollment notices
Silence is interpreted as consent by the system.
Managed Care Contact List 2026 PDF
Bottom Line
Automatic reassignment in Florida Medicaid is common—but not permanent. The 120-day change period is your strongest protection. Beneficiaries who act early can restore providers, medications, and continuity of care with minimal disruption.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice for your Healthcare decisions or any other type of advice. All content, materials, and resources made available are solely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon for making Healthcare decisions. Ask Medicaid Florida makes no claims to be associated with any state agencies including Medicaid of Florida. Read full disclaimer.
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