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Unpacking Medicare: What you need to know about Medicare enrollment periods (and when you can change your plan)
By Christina Joseph
Medicare Enrollment Periods - What You Need To Know
Are you thinking about signing up for Medicare? Let's unpack what you need to know about Medicare enrollment periods. An enrollment period is a window of time when you can make changes to your insurance plan. It's actually multiple periods because different circumstances call for different ways to enroll. Let's take a look at the different times to enroll.
The initial enrollment period. When you turn 65, you have a seven month window to enroll in Medicare. This includes three months before the month you turn 65, your birth month, and three months after the month you turn 65. During this time, you can enroll in original Medicare parts A and B, a Medicare advantage plan, part C, and a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan, part D. Remember in general, if you are already receiving social security, you will be automatically enrolled in original Medicare.
The annual enrollment period. You can make changes to your coverage or enroll in a health care or prescription drug plan every year from October 15th to December 7th.
The special enrollment period. This period allows you to change plans outside of the annual enrollment period. It's usually based on a life event. For example, if you move outside your plan's area, or leave a job and lose your coverage, you may qualify to change or enroll in a new plan.
If you're interested in coverage other than original Medicare, it's important to note that each part of Medicare may have different rules for enrolling or adjusting coverage. Understanding your enrollment period options, can help you get the coverage you need. Got More questions? Learn more at AetnaMedicare.com.
You mark every important date in your life on the calendar: a grandchild’s birthday, your wedding anniversary, summer vacation, even doctor appointments. But there are other critical moments you’ll want to make sure to remember, too — like when you can sign up for a Medicare plan.
The timeframe for enrolling in a Medicare plan is called an enrollment period.
You have a seven-month window around the month you turn 65 to first sign up for a Medicare plan.
If you miss the right time to enroll, your coverage may be delayed, or you could face penalties later on. And that may end up costing you more.
Here are the key enrollment periods you need to know:
1. Initial Enrollment Period
Congratulations, you’re turning 65! Now you can enroll in a Medicare plan. You have a seven-month window to join during this period — from three months before the month you turn 65, through your birthday month and to three months after the month you turn 65. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in Medicare (Parts A and B) – contact Social Security to learn more
- Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
If you don’t sign up for Medicare Parts A and B or Part D when you’re first eligible, you could face penalties in the form of higher premiums. Read more about avoiding penalties.
Check out our chart on coverage start dates when you enroll for the first time.
Tip: If you’re already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Find more information on the different parts of Medicare here.
Initial Enrollment Period
You have a seven-month window to join – from three months before the month you turn 65, through your birthday month and three months after the month you turn 65.
This includes
- 3 months before
- Your 65th birthday month
- 3 months after
- 7-month window
Initial Enrollment Period
You have a seven-month window to join – from three months before the month you turn 65, through your birthday month and three months after the month you turn 65.
This includes
- 3 months before
- Your 65th birthday month
- 3 months after
- 7-month window
Print Medicare Initial Enrollment Period infographic
2. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
If you’re looking to supplement your Original Medicare coverage to help with additional costs, the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan is during the six-month enrollment period that starts the first day of the month you turn 65 — as long as you have signed up for Medicare Part B.
If you don’t sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan during this Open Enrollment Period, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement plan. Unless you have a guaranteed issue right, you may be required to answer medical questions.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
If you’re looking to supplement your Original Medicare coverage to help with additional costs, you have a six-month enrollment period that starts the first day of the month you turn 65 as long as you have signed up for Medicare Part B.
This includes a 6-month window
- Your 65th birthday month
- 5 months after
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
If you’re looking to supplement your Original Medicare coverage to help with additional costs, you have a six-month enrollment period that starts the first day of the month you turn 65 as long as you have signed up for Medicare Part B.
This includes a 6-month window
- Your 65th birthday month
- 5 months after
Print Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period infographic
3. General Enrollment Period
You can also sign up for Part A and/or Part 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 (see below).
Your coverage will start July 1. And you may be subject to penalties.
4. Annual Enrollment Period
Anyone can make changes to their coverage and enroll in a Medicare plan each year, from October 15 to December 7.
- If you have Original Medicare, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan — or vice versa.
- You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to one without — or vice versa.
- You can join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan.
- You can also update your coverage by switching to a new plan from your current insurer or switching to a new insurer.
If you choose to make a change during the Annual Enrollment Period, your new coverage won’t begin until January 1.
For more detail on your coverage options, check out the coverage comparison chart here.
Tip: If you’re happy with your current coverage, you’re not required to make a change. In most cases, your current Medicare plan will automatically renew on January 1.
5. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This period takes place from January 1 through March 31 annually. It allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make a one-time election to go to either another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage or Original Medicare. You’ll also be able to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
In either case, your new coverage will start on the first day of the month following the month you make a change.
Tip: If you go back to Original Medicare, you can also add a Medicare Supplement plan. However, unless you’re still within the six-month Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period, the insurance companies will require you to answer medical questions to qualify for coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans are only available through private insurers like Aetna®. Medicare Advantage plans may also include prescription drug coverage. Learn more about Medicare Advantage here.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Your personal circumstance will determine when you can enroll in or make changes to a Medicare plan. See below for the different enrollment periods that may apply to you:
Annual Enrollment Period is 10/15 – 12/7
General Enrollment Period is 1/1 - 3/31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is 1/1 – 3/31
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Your personal circumstance will determine when you can enroll in or make changes to a Medicare plan. See below for the different enrollment periods that may apply to you:
Annual Enrollment Period is 10/15 – 12/7
General Enrollment Period is 1/1 - 3/31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is 1/1 – 3/31
Print Medicare Enrollment Periods infographic
6. Special Enrollment Period
In situations like the ones below, you may be able to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan outside the basic enrollment periods.
Moving out of your plan’s service area
- If you tell your plan before you move: You can switch starting the month before you move and two months after you move.
- If you tell your plan after you move: You can switch from the moment you notify your plan through the next two months.
Losing your current health care or prescription drug coverage
For example you may lose your current coverage when you leave your job. You have two months after you lose your coverage to sign up for a new plan. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you sign up.
Qualifying for financial assistance with Medicare costs
You can sign up once per calendar quarter during the first nine months of the year. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you qualify or ask to join a new plan. Learn more about how to qualify for financial assistance.
You can also switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan or 5-star Medicare prescription drug plan once a year, from December 8 to November 30 of the next year.
The Medicare Star Ratings is an independent ratings system that allows consumers to evaluate plan performance on a number of factors. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created these star ratings for consumers.
Health insurance companies strive to make sure their Medicare plans are high quality and achieve at least four stars. Learn more about Medicare Star Ratings.
Learn more about Special Enrollment Periods.
Once you’ve picked the enrollment period that fits your situation, you can sign up for a plan that’s right for you. Read on for a checklist of the items you’ll need to proceed.
Medicare Enrollment Checklist
When you’re ready to sign up for Medicare, you have three options. Apply by phone, in person at a U.S. Social Security Administration office, or online. If you decide to go in person, it’s best to make an appointment first.
Here’s what you need to take with you if you sign up in person:
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate or other proof of birth.
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency if not born in the U.S.
- Your Social Security cared if you are already receiving benefits.
A copy of your W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return for last year. - U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968.
- Health insurance information (type and dates of coverage).
- If you are applying for a spouse or signing up for Medicare by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at the Social Security office, you may need to submit additional information.
Here’s what you need to know if you sign up online:
- Date and pace of birth. If born outside the U.S., you’ll need your birth country and Permanent Resident Card number.
- Health insurance information. Start and end dates for group coverage and employment.
- To apply for Medicare online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare (Select “Apply for Medicare Only”).
Medicare Enrollment Checklist
When you’re ready to sign up for Medicare, you have three options. Apply by phone, in person at a U.S. Social Security Administration office, or online. If you decide to go in person, it’s best to make an appointment first.
Here’s what you need to take with you if you sign up in person:
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate or other proof of birth.
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency if not born in the U.S.
- Your Social Security cared if you are already receiving benefits.
A copy of your W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return for last year. - U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968.
- Health insurance information (type and dates of coverage).
- If you are applying for a spouse or signing up for Medicare by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at the Social Security office, you may need to submit additional information.
Here’s what you need to know if you sign up online:
- Date and pace of birth. If born outside the U.S., you’ll need your birth country and Permanent Resident Card number.
- Health insurance information. Start and end dates for group coverage and employment.
- To apply for Medicare online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare (Select “Apply for Medicare Only”).
Find out what happens after you enroll.
About the author
Christina Joseph Robinson is a veteran editor and writer from New Jersey who still loves to read the old-fashioned newspaper. She’s raising two fruit-and-veggie loving daughters to balance all the treats Grandma sends their way. Christina’s health goal is to resume her workout routine after being sidelined by injuries.