Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The Initial Enrollment Period is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It is a 7-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, and sign up for prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plans. Enrolling during the IEP helps you avoid potential late penalties. 

If you missed signing up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll between January 1 and March 31 during the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage will begin the first of the month after you sign up. Be aware that you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during this period. 

The Annual Enrollment Period occurs every year from October 15 to December 7. During AEP, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plans, or enroll in one of these plans for the first time if you have Original Medicare. You can also switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan, or add or drop drug coverage. Please note, AEP does not apply to Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) coverage. Any new coverage or changes take effect January 1 of the following year. 

From January 1 to March 31 each year, individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (and optionally add a stand-alone Part D plan). You can only make one change during this period. 

Special Enrollment Periods are triggered by specific circumstances, such as losing employer health coverage, moving to a new area, qualifying for or losing Medicaid, or having a Medicare Advantage plan that terminates the plan for all plan participants. You have a limited time window to enroll in Medicare (in the case of losing employer coverage) or to make plan changes. 

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, 6-month window that starts when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This means it applies whether you’re turning 65 or are over 65 and getting Part B for the first time. During this period, you can purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state with no medical underwriting or higher premiums due to health conditions. Some states may have additional enrollment opportunities, so it’s important to check local guidelines.