Key dates to enroll

Depending on your circumstances, there are different enrollment periods for Medicare. You should know the following key dates before enrolling.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

You can enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. If you are under age 65, you may be able to enroll if you have a qualifying event. It’s important that you know that there may be penalties if you do not enroll. If you decide to delay enrollment, you may have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

If you are already enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a stand-alone prescription drug plan, you can make changes to your coverage during the annual enrollment period. Annual enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP)

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make changes to your coverage from Jan. 1 to March 31 every year. Medicare Advantage members can change Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. MAOEP is not available to members on Original Medicare only.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you have a qualifying event, you may qualify for special enrollment. You can use special enrollment to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare coverage. Qualifying events can include:

Change of address to a different service area
Losing current insurance or drug coverage
Any time you have a chance to get coverage from an employer, union or program
If Medicare changes its contract with your plan, making coverage unavailable

There are other qualifying events. To learn more, visit medicare.gov.

Last updated Oct. 1, 2022
H2765_4006

Key dates to enroll

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP)

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

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