IF YOU'RE NEW TO MEDICARE:
You can initially sign up for Medicare during a seven-month window known as your "Initial Enrollment Period."
General Enrollment Period
If you didn’t sign up for Medicare when you were first eligible AND you aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (see below), you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31 each year. You may only enroll in Original Medicare at this time.
Please note: You may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment in Part A and/or a higher premium for late enrollment in Part B.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you didn't sign up for Part B (or Part A if you have to buy it) when you were first eligible because you're covered under a group health plan, based on current employment (your own, a spouse's, or if you're disabled, a family member's), you can sign up for Part A and/or Part B:
- Anytime you’re still covered by the group health plan
- During the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the coverage ends, whichever happens first
If you’re interested in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, your Open Enrollment Period is a six-month window that begins on the first day of the month in which you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. (Some states have additional Open Enrollment Periods.)
IF YOU'RE ALREADY ON MEDICARE:
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is the time when you can make changes to your Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Outside of this period, you cannot make changes to your Medicare coverage, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Please note: If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap policy), you can make changes at any time during the year.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
In certain situations, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) where you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare prescription drug plan. These situations include:
- Changing where your live
- Losing your current coverage
- If your plan changes its contract with Medicare
- If you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
In 2019, a new Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period will run from January 1 – March 31 every year. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll have a one-time opportunity to:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
- Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you return to Original Medicare). Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage already. Usually you can’t enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, but there are some situations where you can.
- Drop your stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Other exceptions and enrollment periods may apply, which are ultimately determined by Medicare.