Medicare enrollment periods
Medicare has specific windows for joining and changing plans. Here’s when each one happens and what you can do in it.
The Medicare calendar
| Period | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months around your 65th birthday | Sign up for Parts A and B, and join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Changes start Jan 1 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | If you’re in an Advantage plan: switch to another one, or return to Original Medicare (and add Part D). One change only |
| General Enrollment Period | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Sign up for Parts A and B if you missed your first chance. Coverage starts the month after you enroll |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months, starting when you’re 65+ and in Part B | Buy any Medicare Supplement without health questions |
| Special Enrollment Periods | Varies | Change plans after events like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid |
Why review every fall
Plans mail an Annual Notice of Change each September. It lists next year’s changes to premiums, copays, drug coverage, and networks. Even if you’re happy now, your plan can change on January 1. A yearly review during AEP is the simplest way to avoid surprises.
Common Special Enrollment Periods
- You move to a new county or state, or out of your plan’s service area
- You lose employer or union coverage
- You qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help, or lose that eligibility
- You move into or out of a nursing home or similar facility
- Your plan leaves Medicare or stops serving your area
Not sure if you qualify? Call us. We’ll check your situation and tell you plainly.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the Annual Enrollment Period?
Your current coverage generally continues into the next year. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still make one change from Jan 1 to Mar 31. Otherwise, you’ll need a Special Enrollment Period to change.
If I change plans during AEP, when does the new plan start?
January 1 of the following year, as long as you enroll by December 7.
Can I change plans more than once during AEP?
Yes. The last enrollment you make by December 7 is generally the one that takes effect on January 1.
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