Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods
Knowing when you can enroll in or change your Medicare coverage is crucial. Missing these windows can result in penalties or gaps in coverage.
Your 7-month window to first sign up for Medicare:
- •3 months before your 65th birthday month
- •Your 65th birthday month
- •3 months after your 65th birthday month
Important:
Delaying enrollment past your IEP may result in permanent late enrollment penalties that increase your premiums for life.
The main opportunity each year to make changes to your Medicare coverage:
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
- Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa)
Coverage begins: Changes made during AEP take effect January 1st
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan)
Note: You can only use this period once per year
You may qualify to make changes outside regular enrollment periods due to:
Common qualifying events:
- • Moving out of your plan's service area
- • Losing employer or union coverage
- • Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
- • Living in a nursing home
- • Your plan exits Medicare or your area
SEP timelines vary based on the qualifying event. Some last 2 months, others continue as long as you qualify.
January - March
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
October 15 - December 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Year-round
Special Enrollment Periods (if you qualify) and Initial Enrollment (7 months around 65th birthday)