Medicare Enrollment Timeline 2025
Complete guide to Medicare enrollment periods and deadlines. Avoid late penalties and secure your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Enrollment Calendar at a Glance
Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is crucial to securing coverage and avoiding late enrollment penalties that last a lifetime.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7-month window around your 65th birthday
3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after turning 65. Late enrollment results in lifetime penalties.
Annual Election Period (AEP)
October 15 - December 7, 2024
Switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D prescription drug coverage, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1, 2025.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 - March 31, 2025
Medicare Advantage members can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D).
Special Enrollment Periods
Year-Round (Qualifying Events)
Available when you experience qualifying life events like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help with prescription costs.
Detailed Medicare Enrollment Guide
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
First-time Medicare enrollment
When You're Eligible
What You Can Enroll In
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Late Enrollment Penalties
Missing your IEP can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D coverage.
Annual Election Period (AEP)
Make annual plan changes
When It Happens
Changes take effect January 1, 2025
What You Can Do
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
- Add, drop, or switch Part D prescription drug plans
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Additional opportunity for Medicare Advantage members
When & Who
Only available to current Medicare Advantage members
Your Options
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Return to Original Medicare
- Add a standalone Part D plan if returning to Original Medicare
Medicare Calendar 2025
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Q2-Q3 2025
Q4 2025
Special Medicare Situations
Still Working at 65
Large Employer (20+ employees)
You can delay Medicare Part B without penalty if you have qualifying employer coverage.
Special Enrollment Period
You get an 8-month window to enroll after your employer coverage ends or you retire.
Low-Income Assistance
Extra Help Program
Get help paying for Part D prescription drug costs. Special Enrollment Periods available year-round.
Medicare Savings Programs
State programs that help pay Medicare premiums and other costs for qualifying individuals.
Medicare Enrollment Success Tips
✅ Do This
- Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties
- Review your coverage annually during AEP
- Compare plan networks and prescription drug formularies
- Work with a licensed Medicare specialist
❌ Avoid This
- Missing enrollment deadlines and facing lifetime penalties
- Choosing a plan without checking if your doctors are covered
- Auto-renewing without reviewing annual plan changes
- Ignoring prescription drug coverage needs
Need Help with Medicare Enrollment?
Our licensed Medicare specialists can guide you through the enrollment process and help you avoid costly mistakes
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Real National Success Stories
Maria Rodriguez
Spring, TX
"Como madre soltera trabajando en un restaurante, nunca pensé que podría pagar un seguro de salud. El agente me explicó todo en español y ahora tengo cobertura completa por solo $25 al mes. Mi hija y yo finalmente tenemos la tranquilidad que necesitamos."
Uninsured single mother, restaurant worker
$25/month Silver plan with subsidies
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