ResourcesEnrollment Periods

Medicare Enrollment Periods | Never Miss Critical Deadlines

Understanding when you can enroll, change, or switch your Medicare coverage

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is crucial for getting the coverage you need when you need it. Missing enrollment deadlines can result in coverage gaps, late enrollment penalties, or having to wait months before you can make changes to your plan.

Quick Summary

There are several different enrollment periods for Medicare, each with specific rules about when you can enroll, what changes you can make, and which plans are available to you.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

When: 7-month period around your 65th birthday

3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after

What You Can Do:

  • Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  • Choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
  • Add prescription drug coverage (Part D)
  • Purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy

Important Notes:

  • This is usually your only chance to buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting
  • If you delay enrollment without creditable coverage, you may face late enrollment penalties
  • Coverage typically starts the first day of the month you turn 65 (or the month after if you enroll in months 4-7)

Special Consideration: If you're still working and have employer health insurance, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalties. Consult with HR or a Medicare advisor.

Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP)

When: October 15 - December 7, every year

Changes take effect January 1st of the following year

What You Can Do:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa)
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
  • Add, drop, or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
  • Add, drop, or switch Medicare Supplement insurance policies (with medical underwriting in most states)
✓ Popular Changes
  • • Switch MA plans for better benefits
  • • Add prescription drug coverage
  • • Change from HMO to PPO
  • • Find plans with lower costs
✗ Common Mistakes
  • • Waiting until the last minute
  • • Not checking if doctors are in network
  • • Ignoring prescription drug coverage
  • • Focusing only on premium costs

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

When: January 1 - March 31, every year

Only available if you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan

What You Can Do:

  • Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
  • Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
  • Add a Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

Note: You can only make one change during this period. Choose carefully, as you'll need to wait until the next Annual Open Enrollment Period to make additional changes.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Special Enrollment Periods allow you to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of the regular enrollment periods when certain qualifying life events occur.

Common Qualifying Events:

Moving to a New Area

If you move outside your plan's service area or to an area where your plan offers different benefits

Loss of Other Coverage

Losing employer-sponsored health insurance, COBRA, or other creditable coverage

Qualifying for Extra Help

Becoming eligible for Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) or other assistance programs

Plan Changes by Your Insurer

Your plan is discontinued, reduces its service area, or violates its contract with Medicare

Chronic Care Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) Eligibility

Being diagnosed with a qualifying chronic condition

How SEPs Work:

  • Usually last 2-3 months from the qualifying event date
  • You must provide documentation proving the qualifying event
  • Changes typically take effect the first of the month after you enroll
  • Some SEPs are ongoing (like Extra Help eligibility)

General Enrollment Period

When: January 1 - March 31, every year

For people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period

Warning: If you enroll during this period, you may have to pay late enrollment penalties that last as long as you have Medicare coverage. Coverage starts July 1st.

What You Can Do:

  • Enroll in Medicare Part B (if you don't already have it)
  • Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Medicare Enrollment Timeline

Your Medicare Year at a Glance

Jan-Mar
MA Open Enrollment & General Enrollment
Apr-Sep
SEPs only (qualifying events)
Oct-Dec
Annual Open Enrollment Period

Best Practices for Enrollment Planning:

  • Start Early: Begin researching plans 4-6 weeks before enrollment periods
  • Compare Annually: Review your coverage every year during AEP
  • Check Networks: Verify your doctors and pharmacies are still in-network
  • Review Medications: Make sure your prescriptions are covered
  • Consider Total Costs: Look beyond premiums to deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums

Getting Help with Enrollment

Free Resources

  • Medicare.gov plan finder
  • 1-800-MEDICARE helpline
  • State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP)

Professional Help

  • Licensed insurance agents
  • Medicare brokers
  • Insurance company representatives

Need Help Understanding Your Enrollment Options?

Our licensed Medicare experts can help you understand which enrollment period applies to your situation and guide you through the enrollment process.