Guide
Medicare enrollment periods
Medicare has several enrollment windows. Knowing which one applies to you keeps you out of trouble with penalties and plan changes.
Initial Enrollment (IEP)
Seven months around your 65th birthday. First time signing up for Medicare.
Annual Enrollment (AEP)
October 15 – December 7. Change Advantage or Part D plans for next year.
Medicare Advantage OEP
January 1 – March 31. If you have Advantage, you can switch once.
Special Enrollment (SEP)
Triggered by life events like losing employer coverage, moving, or qualifying for Extra Help.
What triggers a Special Enrollment Period
Losing employer or group coverage, moving to a new service area, gaining or losing Medicaid, becoming eligible for Extra Help, and several other life events open a Special Enrollment Period.
Prefer to talk it through? Talk to a licensed agent.