Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but understanding when you can enroll or make changes to your coverage is one of the most important first steps. As your local agency, our goal is to simplify this process and ensure you get the right information at the right time.
Here is a clear breakdown of the key enrollment periods you should know about.
This is the first time you can sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
When it happens: The IEP is a 7-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after your birth month.
Why it matters: Enrolling during your IEP is crucial to avoid potential late enrollment penalties for Part B (and sometimes Part A). If you delay, your premium could be permanently higher.
The AEP is often the most well-known period because it’s when most people review and change their coverage for the following year.
When it happens: October 15 – December 7 every year.
What you can do:
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Switch from one Part D plan to another.
Effective Date: Any changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1st of the following year.
This period is specifically for individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to make a change.
When it happens: January 1 – March 31 every year.
What you can do:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage).
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare (and enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan).
Limit: You can only make one change during this period.
Outside of the main enrollment periods, you may qualify for an SEP if you experience certain life events. This allows you to make changes without waiting for the AEP.
Common reasons for an SEP include:
Moving outside your plan’s service area.
Losing employer-based coverage.
Qualifying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
Being newly diagnosed with a qualifying chronic condition (for certain Special Needs Plans, or SNPs).
If you’ve had a major change in your life, contact me right away. We can review your situation to see if you qualify for an SEP.
Understanding these dates is just the beginning. One of our experienced agents can help you analyze your specific health needs, prescriptions, and budget to find coverage that fits your life.
Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 26 organizations which offer 3,450 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.