Medicare Enrollment Periods
Understanding Medicare enrollment periods and when coverage changes may be made.
Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Periods
Medicare beneficiaries may join, switch, or disenroll from Medicare Health Plans (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) during specific enrollment periods:
Initial Enrollment Period
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins when you first become eligible for Medicare. It starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after your birthday month.
Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During AEP, you can join, switch, or drop a plan, and your coverage will begin January 1 (provided the plan receives your request by December 7).
Special Enrollment Period
Certain qualifying life events, such as moving or losing coverage, may make you eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan outside of the Annual Enrollment Period. Speak to a licensed insurance agent to help determine your eligibility.
NOTE: You must first have Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for Part C (Medicare Advantage).
Questions about Medicare enrollment timing?
Speak to a licensed insurance agent about Medicare Advantage plansMedicare Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 - December 7
The Annual Enrollment Period is an opportunity to review Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Licensed insurance agents can provide information about Medicare Advantage plan options and coverage comparisons.