Medicare Enrollment Periods
Understanding when you can sign up for or make changes to your Medicare coverage is just as important as understanding the coverage itself. Medicare has specific time frames, called enrollment periods, when you’re allowed to enroll in, switch, or drop plans. Missing these windows could mean paying penalties or waiting months for coverage.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare.
- It lasts 7 months — starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
- You can sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
- If you want additional coverage, you can also choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – October 15 to December 7
This is Medicare’s open season.
- You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
- You can join, drop, or change your Part D prescription drug plan.
- Any changes you make take effect January 1 of the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) – January 1 to March 31
If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
- Drop your plan and return to Original Medicare (with the option to add Part D).
- You can only make one change during this period.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
SEPs allow you to make changes outside of regular windows due to certain life events, such as:
- Moving to a new address outside your plan’s service area
- Losing employer coverage
- Qualifying for Medicaid or other special programs
The length of a Special Enrollment Period and the options you have will depend on your situation.