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Medicare Enrollment Periods

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Helpful Medicare Sites

Here are some resources—including government resources. We're here to help you understand what you're looking at.

Medicare.gov

Official Medicare information

Social Security

For Medicare enrollment and Social Security-related questions.

SHIP

For free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

Medicare Plan Finder

For comparing Medicare options.

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Know When You Can EnrollMedicare has several important enrollment periods, and knowing when you can enroll or make changes can help you avoid unnecessary confusion and potential coverage gaps.The right enrollment period depends on your situation. Below is a simple overview of some of the most important Medicare enrollment windows.Turning 65? Your Initial Enrollment PeriodYour Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity most people have to enroll in Medicare.It generally begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for 3 months after your birthday month—for a total of 7 months.During this time, you may be able to:

Enroll in Medicare Part A
Enroll in Medicare Part B
Choose how you want to receive your Medicare benefits
Consider prescription drug coverage
Explore Medicare Supplement insurance options

Important: If you're still working or have coverage through an employer or spouse's employer, your enrollment options and timing may be different.Medicare Supplement Open EnrollmentYour Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is a particularly important time to understand if you're considering Medigap coverage.For most people, it begins when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B and lasts for 6 months.During this period, you generally have important protections when purchasing a Medicare Supplement policy, including the ability to buy certain Medigap policies without medical underwriting.Why does this matter?After your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, you may not always have the same protections. Depending on your circumstances and the state you live in, an insurance company may be able to use medical underwriting when you apply.Your situation matters, so it's important to understand your options before your enrollment window passes.Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)October 15 – December 7The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs every year from October 15 through December 7.During AEP, people with Medicare can generally:

Join a Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
Return to Original Medicare
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1 of the following year, provided the plan receives the request by the applicable deadline.AEP doesn't mean you have to change your coverage.You may see Medicare advertisements everywhere during this time, but you don't necessarily need to make a change simply because AEP has arrived.It's a good opportunity to review your current coverage and make sure it still meets your needs.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) gives you another opportunity to make a change.During this period, you can generally:

Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan
Return to Original Medicare
Add or change a Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

You generally can make one change during this period, and coverage typically begins the month after the plan receives your enrollment request.
Special Enrollment PeriodsLife doesn't always follow the Medicare calendar.Certain circumstances may give you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows you to enroll in or change Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment periods.Examples may include:

Losing employer or union coverage
Moving to a new location
Losing Medicaid eligibility
Qualifying for certain assistance programs
Other specific life circumstances

Special Enrollment Period rules vary depending on your situation.If you've recently experienced a major change in your coverage or living situation, it's worth finding out whether a Special Enrollment Period may apply to you.Don't Know Which Enrollment Period Applies to You?That's completely understandable. Medicare enrollment can depend on your age, current coverage, employment status, and other circumstances.We're here to help you understand your options.You don't have to know all the answers before reaching out.
🛑Important Information🛑This page provides general educational information about Medicare enrollment periods and is not intended to provide individualized Medicare advice or guarantee eligibility for a particular enrollment period.Medicare rules, enrollment periods, and individual circumstances can vary. For the most current and complete information, visit Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare insurance agent who can review your individual situation.

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