Medicare Enrollment Periods
There are different times when you can sign up for Medicare, called enrollment periods. The Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible, usually around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period happens every year in the fall when you can make changes to your plan. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is another time when you can switch Medicare Advantage plans. There are also Special Enrollment Periods for certain life changes, like moving or losing other coverage. Medicare Supplements have their own special enrollment rules too.
Initial Enrollment Period
The Initial Enrollment Period lasts 7 months.
It starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
If you sign up early, your coverage usually starts the month you turn 65.
If you wait until later, your coverage may start later too.
Missing this time may mean you have to wait and could pay a late penalty.
- If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, then Medicare will start a month earlier.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period sometimes Referred to as Open Enrollment
The Annual Enrollment Period happens every year from October 15 to December 7.
During this time, you can join, change, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Prescription Drug Plan.
Any changes you make will start on January 1 of the next year.
This time is only for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans.
Medicare Supplements (Medigap) have different rules and are not part of this enrollment period.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period happens every year from January 1 to March 31.
During this time, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Prescription Drug Plan.
You can only make one change during this period.
Any change you make will start the first day of the next month after you make it.
Special Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are extra times you can join or change Medicare outside the regular enrollment dates.
They happen when certain life events occur.
Most common SEPs and how long they last:
Losing other health coverage (like job, union, or Medicaid): You usually have 2 months after coverage ends to sign up.
Moving to a new address where new plans are offered: You usually have 2 months after your move to make a change.
Your plan stops working with Medicare or leaves your area: You can choose a new plan during the time Medicare tells you.
Getting new employer coverage (yours or your spouse’s): You can sign up or delay Medicare without penalty while covered, and get an SEP when that coverage ends.
Medicare Supplement aka Medigap Enrollment Rules
When you first sign up for Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
During this time, you do not have to answer medical questions.
You cannot be denied coverage because of health problems.
After this first enrollment window ends, in most cases:
You will need to answer medical questions on the application.
The insurance company can decide to accept or deny your request based on your health.
Changing from one Medicare Supplement to another:
You can apply any time of the year.
But, if you are outside your first enrollment period, you may have to answer medical questions and be approved.
