Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods

Enrolling in Medicare isn't a one-time event. There are specific times when you can sign up for coverage or make changes to your existing plan. Missing these windows can result in coverage gaps and potential late enrollment penalties.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. For most people, the IEP is a 7-month period that:

• Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
• Includes the month you turn 65
• Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

During your IEP, you can sign up for Part A, Part B, Part D, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Also known as the Open Enrollment Period, AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, all Medicare beneficiaries can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

This period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time opportunity to:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A & B). You can also join a Part D plan during this time.

You cannot switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during this period.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to make changes to your coverage outside of the standard enrollment periods due to certain life events. Common qualifying events include:

• Moving to a new address that isn't in your current plan's service area.
• Losing other health coverage (like from an employer).
• Your current plan changing its contract with Medicare.
• Qualifying for Extra Help to pay for Part D costs.