Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window to enroll in Parts A and B for the first time when you turn 65.  You may begin enrolling in Medicare up to 3 months prior to the month of your birthday, for an effective date of the first of the month of the month of your birthday.  If you enroll during the month of your birthday, your effective date will be the first of the month of the next month. You may also enroll up to 3 months after your birthday.  If you do, your effective date will be the first of the month of the following month.

Medicare Annual Enrollment

Beginning October 15th and ending December 7th, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is generally the time when you can join or switch Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans.  Changes made during this time go into effect January 1.  In New York, you may also switch back and forth between Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan without any penalty, underwriting or loss of coverage.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is for beneficiaries who already have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change it.  It begins January 1st and ends March 31st each year.  You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan.  In NY, you may also enroll in a Medicare Supplement without medical underwriting, as long as you’ve had continuous coverage with a Medicare Plan.

Special Enrollment Periods

Throughout the year, you may be able to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period. These are typically reserved for times when certain events happen in your life — and each Special Enrollment Period can have different rules, depending on the circumstances.

Reasons for a Special Enrollment Period may include changing where you live, losing your current coverage or if your plan loses its contract with Medicare.  It also includes things like ending your coverage through your employer after the age of 65, changes in Medicaid status, retiring, and emergency situations declared by FEMA. 

Medicare Enrollment Rules