Annual Election Period

Turning 65? 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:

• Enrolling in Medicare (Parts A and B) – Click HERE link below to learn more from Medicare.gov
• 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.

You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Tip: If you’re already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

 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. 

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.

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.

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. Medicare Advantage plans may also include prescription drug coverage.

 Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a limited time when you can enroll in Medicare or make changes to your coverage. 

You can use a SEP to: 

• Sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B
• Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans
• Change your Medicare drug coverage

 You might qualify for a SEP if you experience certain life events, such as: 

• Moving to a new county/state
• Losing Employer coverage
• Becoming eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
• Working past age 65