Know your options, key dates, and when you can make coverage changes.
By Kiley Engle, EHD’s Medicare Benefits Specialist
With multiple enrollment periods throughout the year, knowing when you can enroll, make changes, or switch plans is just as important as choosing the right Medicare plan. It can be confusing to know when you can and should sign up for Medicare, especially as enrollment circumstances can vary from person to person. Gaining knowledge about Medicare enrollment periods can help you feel confident in making a plan to enroll and in avoiding lifelong penalties that occur with late enrollment.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – October 15 – December 7 each year
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place each year from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can review your current Medicare coverage if you are already enrolled and make changes for the upcoming year. If you’re becoming eligible for Medicare, this can also be an opportunity for you to explore coverage options and enroll.
With AEP being right around the corner, now is a great time to connect with a trusted Medicare professional if you have questions about enrolling and/or review your current plan if you are already enrolled in Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – 7-month window surrounding 65th birthday
The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month period around your 65th birthday, in which you can enroll in Original Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D. This period starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends 3 months after your birthday month. If you have other creditable coverage through an employer, you do not have to enroll during this period. That said, it’s always a good idea to learn about and understand your options. If you do not have other creditable coverage, enrollment should be completed during this window to avoid lifelong penalties.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) – January 1 – March 31 each year
This enrollment period is only available to those that are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, in which case you would also need to select a standalone Part D plan and/or a Medigap plan.
Special Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Periods occur when qualifying life events happen. These enrollment windows commonly occur if employer-sponsored coverage is lost (i.e. when you retire), you move outside your current plan’s service area, you qualify for Medicaid, or other circumstances arise. Special Enrollment Periods allow you to enroll in or make changes to your Medicare plan outside the standard enrollment windows without incurring penalties. It’s important to keep in mind that Medicare enrollment rules for SEPs are based on everyone’s unique circumstances. Just because a friend, neighbor, spouse, etc. qualified for a Special Enrollment Period does not necessarily mean that you will be eligible to enroll in Medicare at the same time.
Late Enrollment Penalties
The Penalty for late Medicare Part B enrollment is 10% of the Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026) for each full 12-month period you could have been enrolled in Part B but did not enroll. For prescription drugs, if you go 63 days or more without Part D coverage or other creditable drug coverage, the penalty is 1% the national base premium for each full month you were eligible but not enrolled or covered by another creditable drug plan.
Medicare Enrollment Doesn’t Have to be Stressful
Navigating Medicare enrollment periods can be confusing and overwhelming, but understanding your opportunities is the first step in making an informed decision surrounding your Medicare coverage. Still have questions? Our Medicare team at EHD is here to help. Contact us to ask questions and receive personalized guidance through the Medicare enrollment process. Remember, you don’t have to face this process alone.
