- Sign up during the 7 months around your 65th birthday to avoid penalties.
- Every year from October 15 to December 7, you can change your Medicare Advantage or drug plan.
- Life changes, like moving, can give you a special chance to change plans.
Medicare enrollment windows follow the same dates every year.
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Signing up early means coverage can start the month you turn 65.
Open Enrollment
The yearly chance for everyone with Medicare to switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change plans, or join or change a drug plan. Changes start January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another one or go back to Original Medicare — once.
General Enrollment Period
Missed signing up for Parts A or B? You can sign up now; coverage starts the next month. A late penalty may apply.
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing job-based coverage, moving into or out of a nursing home, or qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help can let you change plans outside the usual times.
Medigap Open Enrollment
Begins the month you're 65 or older and have Part B. The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy, with no health questions.
If you (or your spouse) have health coverage from a current employer, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. When that coverage ends, you'll have 8 months to sign up. Talk with your employer's benefits office and Social Security first.
A simple fall checklist
- September: Read the Annual Notice of Change from your plan.
- Early October: Make a list of any new doctors or medicines.
- October 15: Open Enrollment begins — give us a call to compare.
- By December 7: Make any changes you'd like.
- January 1: Your new coverage begins. Keep your new card in your wallet.
