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Medicare Enrollment Information
Understanding When You Can Enroll in Medicare
Medicare has different enrollment periods depending on whether you're enrolling in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
or choosing or changing Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage.
Understanding which enrollment period applies to you can help you avoid gaps in coverage and, in some situations, late enrollment penalties.
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare
For many people who become eligible for Medicare at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month period that:
Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
Includes the month you turn 65
Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to actively enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, while some people are enrolled automatically.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place each year from October 15 through December 7.
During this period, people with Medicare can review their current coverage and, depending on eligibility, make changes for the coming year.
You may be able to:
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
Changes made during Medicare Open Enrollment generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
Why review your coverage each year?
Plan premiums, benefits, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and other costs can change from year to year.
Your own healthcare needs may change too.
An annual review can help you determine whether your current coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs each year from January 1 through March 31.
This enrollment period is specifically for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
During this period, you may:
Switch from your current Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan
Leave your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare
Join a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) if you return to Original Medicare
You generally can make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Any change generally takes effect on the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment request.
Important to Know
If you have Original Medicare and are not already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan,
this enrollment period generally cannot be used to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain Life Events May Allow You to Make Changes Outside the Normal Enrollment Periods
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may allow you to enroll in or change Medicare coverage outside
the standard enrollment periods when certain qualifying events or circumstances occur.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you:
Move to a new address or outside your plan's service area
Lose employer or union health coverage
Move into, live in, or move out of an institution such as a skilled nursing facility
Qualify for or lose Medicaid eligibility
Qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Lose other qualifying coverage
Experience certain other Medicare-approved circumstances
The timing of your Special Enrollment Period and the changes you can make depend on the qualifying event and your individual circumstances.
Not Sure If You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
Special Enrollment Period rules can be confusing. Haddy Health Insurance can help you review your situation,
understand the enrollment period that may apply, and explore available Medicare coverage options
General Enrollment Period
The Medicare General Enrollment Period runs each year from January 1 through March 31.
This enrollment period may be available to people who did not enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
when they were first eligible and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
During the General Enrollment Period, you may be able to:
Enroll in Medicare Part A, if applicable
Enroll in Medicare Part B
Coverage generally begins the month after you enroll.
Important to Know
Depending on your circumstances, enrolling after your Initial Enrollment Period may result in a late enrollment penalty,
and that penalty may continue for as long as you have the applicable Medicare coverage.
If you delayed Medicare because you had employer or other qualifying coverage,
different enrollment rules may apply, including the possibility of a Special Enrollment Period.
Not Sure Which Enrollment Period Applies to You?
Haddy Health Insurance can help you understand Medicare enrollment periods and review
the coverage options that may be available based on your individual situation.
Need Help With Medicare Enrollment?
Understanding when you can enroll — and which options are available — doesn't have to be complicated.
Haddy Health Insurance can help you review your situation, understand the Medicare enrollment periods that may apply to you,
and compare available coverage options based on your needs.
Have questions about Medicare or your enrollment period?
Schedule a no-obligation appointment and let's review your options together.
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