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Key Dates

Medicare Enrollment Periods, Explained Simply

Medicare has specific windows for signing up and making changes. Knowing these dates helps you avoid gaps in coverage and possible late enrollment penalties.

Get Enrollment Help Call (445) 300-7597
  • Clear explanations of every enrollment window
  • Help enrolling when you are ready
  • No cost to work with a licensed agent
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Plans vary by location. Your information is private and secure.

Overview

Why Enrollment Timing Matters

Unlike many types of insurance, you cannot sign up for or change Medicare coverage at any time. Each enrollment period has its own purpose and its own rules about what changes you can make.

Signing up late for Part B or Part D may lead to a lifetime late enrollment penalty unless you have other qualifying coverage. Missing a window may also mean waiting months before you can make a change.

The good news: once you understand the calendar, it becomes much easier to plan ahead.

Enrollment Windows

The Main Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period

Your first chance to sign up. A 7-month window that includes the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Annual Enrollment Period

October 15 to December 7 each year. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

January 1 to March 31. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may make one change, such as switching plans or returning to Original Medicare.

Special Enrollment Periods

Available after certain life events, such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help.

Medigap Open Enrollment

A one-time, 6-month period that starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Your best opportunity to buy a Medigap policy.

General Enrollment Period

January 1 to March 31 for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

At a Glance

Enrollment Periods Compared

Use this quick reference to see when each period happens and what you can do.

Enrollment periodWhen it happensWhat you can do
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) 7 months around your 65th birthday month Sign up for Parts A and B, and join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15 to December 7 Join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment January 1 to March 31 If in a Medicare Advantage plan, make one plan change or return to Original Medicare
General Enrollment Period January 1 to March 31 Sign up for Parts A and B if you missed your IEP; coverage begins the month after you sign up
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Varies by qualifying event Make changes outside the usual windows
Medigap Open Enrollment 6 months starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B Buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without health questions

Enrollment rules can be detailed and may change. Confirm your specific situation with Medicare.gov, Social Security, or a licensed agent.

Older couple discussing a life change in their living room

Life Changes

Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period

Life does not always follow the Medicare calendar. Special Enrollment Periods let you make changes when certain events happen. The length of each SEP and the changes allowed depend on the situation.

If something has changed recently, reach out. We can help you determine whether you qualify and what your options may be.

  • Moving to a new address outside your plan’s service area
  • Losing employer or union health coverage
  • Moving into or out of a nursing home or similar facility
  • Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
  • Your plan leaving Medicare or your area

Getting Enrolled

How to Enroll With Our Help

  1. Confirm your enrollment window

    We help you identify which period applies to you right now.

  2. Review your needs

    We discuss your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and travel plans.

  3. Compare available plans

    We explain the plans offered in your area in plain language.

  4. Complete your enrollment

    We help you submit your application and explain what happens next.

Request Enrollment Help

Questions

Medicare Enrollment Questions

Still have questions?

Talk with a licensed insurance professional.

(445) 300-7597 Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger people with certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. It is made up of several parts that cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. Many people also add private coverage to help with costs Medicare does not fully pay.

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. These plans cover everything Parts A and B cover (except hospice, which Original Medicare still covers), and many include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental or vision. Plans usually use provider networks, and costs and benefits vary by plan and location.

A Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay some of the costs Original Medicare does not, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people pair them with a Part D plan.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You can get it as a stand-alone plan that works with Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, so it is important to check that your medications are included.

Most people first enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after the month they turn 65. After that, you can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. Enrolling late in some parts may result in penalties.

Yes, during certain times of the year. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) lets you join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets Advantage members make one change. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after events like moving or losing other coverage.

Do Not Miss Your Window

Let a Licensed Agent Help You Enroll on Time

Whether you are new to Medicare or reviewing your plan during Annual Enrollment, we are here to guide you. No cost, no obligation.

Get Enrollment Help Call (445) 300-7597

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  • Help identifying your enrollment period
  • Plan comparisons in your area
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