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
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.