When can you enroll?

Initial Enrollment Period — when you first become eligible

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday: the three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after. If you enroll in the first three months, your coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll later in the window, your coverage start date may be delayed.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you may be enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If you are not, you will need to sign up yourself — and it is worth starting a few months early so you are not rushed.

If you are still working and have health coverage through an employer, your timing may be different. Call us before your 65th birthday and we will walk through your dates with you.

Annual Enrollment Period — October 15 to December 7

Every fall, from October 15 to December 7, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D drug plan. Changes you make during this period take effect on January 1. This is the main window each year to review your coverage — your plan's costs and drug list can change from year to year, and so can your prescriptions and your doctors.

We recommend reviewing your coverage every fall, even if you were happy with your plan last year. A short call in October or November is usually all it takes.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment — January 1 to March 31

If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is an additional window each year from January 1 to March 31 when you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan). You can only make one change during this window.

Special Enrollment Periods — when life changes

Certain life events give you a Special Enrollment Period — a window outside the usual dates when you can enroll or change plans. Common qualifying events include:

• Moving to a new address, including moving into or out of a plan's service area
• Losing other health coverage, such as employer coverage when you retire or change jobs
• Becoming eligible for Extra Help or Medicaid, or losing that eligibility
• Moving into or out of a care facility

How long a Special Enrollment Period lasts depends on the event. If something in your life has changed, call us promptly — the window may be short, and we can help you figure out whether you qualify.

General Enrollment Period — January 1 to March 31

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can generally sign up for Parts A and B during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage generally begins the month after you enroll. Depending on your situation, a late enrollment penalty may apply, so it is better to enroll on time whenever you can.

Common questions

What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

You may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period, and you may face late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D. There are exceptions — for example, if you had creditable coverage through an employer. If you think you have missed a deadline, call us right away so we can look at your options.

Can I change plans outside the Annual Enrollment Period?

Usually only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period if you are already in an Advantage plan. Otherwise, the fall Annual Enrollment Period is the time to make changes.

When should I start learning about Medicare?

A few months before you turn 65 is a good time to start. That gives you room to learn the basics, compare your options, and enroll without rushing. If your birthday is coming up, give us a call and we will set up a time to talk.