Medicare Enrollment Information
Understanding Medicare Enrollment
Enrolling in Medicare at the right time is important to help avoid potential coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties.
Medicare offers several enrollment periods throughout the year, depending on your individual circumstances.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is typically the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare.
This enrollment period:
Begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month
Includes your birthday month
Ends 3 months after your birthday month
During this time, eligible individuals may enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, and other Medicare coverage options.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period takes place each year from October 15 through December 7.
During AEP, Medicare beneficiaries may:
Change Medicare Advantage plans
Return to Original Medicare
Join, switch, or drop a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
Coverage changes generally become effective on January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
Individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may:
Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan
Return to Original Medicare
Add a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan when eligible
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events may qualify individuals for a Special Enrollment Period,
allowing changes outside standard enrollment periods.
Examples may include:
Moving to a new service area
Losing employer coverage
Qualifying for certain assistance programs
Other qualifying circumstances
Eligibility requirements vary.
Why Reviewing Coverage Matters
Health needs, prescription medications, provider networks, and plan benefits can change from year to year.
Reviewing your Medicare coverage annually can help ensure your plan continues to meet your healthcare and budget needs.
Need Assistance?
Haddy Health Benefits provides educational guidance to help individuals understand Medicare enrollment periods and available coverage options.
We can help answer questions and provide information about plans available in your area.
Contact Us
Schedule a consultation to discuss your Medicare questions and enrollment options.
Disclaimer
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare Program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent a number of organizations which offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Prescription Drug Plans. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for information on all available options.