Medicare
We can help you understand the process and learn more about the different Medicare enrollment periods so you know exactly when to sign up.
What is the first step?
Enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the first step. If youʼre already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, then youʼre automatically enrolled, and you’ll receive your Medicare Card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday.
If you were not automatically enrolled, you can sign up online through the Social Security Administrationʼs website or by contacting your local Social Security office by phone or visiting in person.
When should I enroll?
In most cases, the best time to enroll is when you first become eligible during your Initial Enrollment Period. This seven-month period begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month and ends three months after your birthday.
Medicare Enrollment Planner
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What are the different Medicare
enrollment periods?
Initial Enrollment Period
This seven-month period begins three months prior to the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. For example, if your birthday is in August, the enrollment period would be from May through November. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
Enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period can help you avoid potential penalties.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
The best time to buy a Medicare supplement insurance plan is during the six-month enrollment period that begins the first day of the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
This is considered a guaranteed period of enrollment, meaning your application won't go through medical underwriting to be accepted. You generally will get better prices and more choices among policies during this Open Enrollment Period.
You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan at any time outside of this enrollment period, but your rates may be higher.
Special Enrollment Period
If you delay signing up for Medicare, or miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. There are a number of factors that determine whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Some examples are:
- You move to an area that your current plan doesn't cover
- You lose health insurance coverage from your employer
- Your current plan is terminated or changes its contract with Medicare
The dates of your Special Enrollment Period depend on your qualifying circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
You can also sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) between January 1 and March 31 each year if both of these conditions apply:
- You didn't sign up when you were first eligible
- You aren't eligible for a Special Enrollment Period
Your coverage will start July 1 and you may be subject to penalties.
Annual Enrollment Period
If you currently have a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan you can make changes to your coverage and enroll in a Medicare plan each year, from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can:
- Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — or vice versa.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage to one without — or vice versa.
- Join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D).
- Update your coverage by switching to a new plan from your current insurer or switching to a new insurer.
If you currently have a Medicare supplement insurance policy, you can switch plans at any time, however, you may have to go through medical underwriting to be accepted.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This period takes place from January 1 through March 31 annually. If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time election to either:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
You can also add a stand-alone prescription drug plan if you choose to return to Original Medicare. Either way, your new coverage will start on the first day of the month following the month you make a change.
Initial Enrollment Period
This seven-month period begins three months prior to the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. For example, if your birthday is in August, the enrollment period would be from May through November. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
Enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period can help you avoid potential penalties.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
The best time to buy a Medicare supplement insurance plan is during the six-month enrollment period that begins the first day of the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
This is considered a guaranteed period of enrollment, meaning your application won’t go through medical underwriting to be accepted. You generally will get better prices and more choices among policies during this Open Enrollment Period.
You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan at any time outside of this enrollment period, but your rates may be higher.
