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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
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