Annual Election Period

When: October 15–December 7

During the Annual Election Period (AEP), you can make changes to your current Medicare plan. Any enrollments or changes made during this period are effective on January 1 of the following year.

Open Enrollment

When: January 1–March 31

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period (OEP), you'll have an opportunity to:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
• Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you choose to return to Original Medicare)
• Drop your stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Special Enrollment

When: Year-round

If you qualify for special enrollment, you can make changes to your coverage during the special enrollment period (SEP). Qualifying life events include:

• Retiring from your job if you're over 65
• Moving to a different area not covered by your plan
• Losing your current coverage
• When your current plan changes its contract with Medicare
• Receiving extra help paying for your Medicare prescription drug coverage
  

Initial Enrollment Period

When: Year-round

The initial enrollment period (IEP) is when you first sign up for Medicare. There are two ways to become eligible during this period:

Eligibility by birthday

• You can join during the 7-month period that runs 3 months before the month you turn 65 to 3 months after the month you turn 65
• Coverage will begin the first day of the month after you enroll
• If you join Medicare before you turn 65, your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65

Eligibility by disability

• You can join during the 7-month period that runs 3 months before your 25th month of getting disability benefits to 3 months after your 25th month of getting disability benefits
• Coverage will begin the first day of the month after you enroll
• If you join during one of the 3 months before you first get Medicare, your coverage will begin the first day of your 25th month of entitlement to disability benefits