A Guide to Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods

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A Guide to Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods

Are you reaching Medicare eligibility? You may have some questions! If you’re approaching your eligibility date or helping a loved one navigate their health care coverage, understanding enrollment periods is key. Missing a deadline could mean delayed coverage or costly penalties.

Keep reading to learn more about enrollment windows and what you can do during each phase.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

When: Starts three months before the month you turn 65 — includes your birthday month — and ends three months after, for a total of 7 months.

What You Can Do:

  • Enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
  • Join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
  • Add a Part D prescription drug plan

Tip: Enroll early to avoid delays in coverage and potential late penalties.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

When: January 1 to March 31 of each year

What You Can Do:

  • Sign up for Part A and/or Part B if you missed your IEP

Coverage begins on the first of the month after you enroll.

Note: You may face a late enrollment penalty if you didn’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

When: October 15 to December 7 of each year

What You Can Do:

  • Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
  • Change or drop your Part D plan
  • Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan

Coverage starts January 1 of the following year.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

SEPs are triggered by specific life events, such as:

  • Moving to a new area
  • Losing employer or Medicaid coverage
  • Being released from incarceration
  • Returning to the U.S. after living abroad

What You Can Do:

  • Make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans
  • Avoid late penalties if you qualify

Timing:
Usually lasts two full months after the qualifying event.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

When: January 1 to March 31

What You Can Do:

  • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
  • Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
  • Join a Part D plan if returning to Original Medicare

Note: You can only make one change during this period.

Understanding these enrollment periods is important so that you can avoid penalties, ensure continuous coverage and choose the best plan for your needs.

Sources:

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods

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