Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window when you first become eligible for Medicare. It includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

October 15 - December 7 each year. During this time, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, drop, or switch Medicare prescription drug plans

Changes take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

January 1 - March 31 each year. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
• Sign up for a standalone Medicare Part D plan (if returning to Original Medicare)

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience certain life events, such as:

• Moving to a new area with different plan options
• Losing current health coverage
• Changes in your Medicaid eligibility
• Moving into or out of a nursing home
• Qualifying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs