Enrollment Periods & Deadlines

Medicare Enrollment Periods & Deadlines — Don’t Miss the Window

Medicare has multiple enrollment periods. Each one has different rules.

Missing the right window can result in:

Coverage gaps • Delayed benefits • Lifetime penalties

Let’s make sure you enroll at the right time.

Schedule Your Free Medicare Review

No pressure. Just clarity.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period happens when you first become eligible for Medicare.

It lasts 7 months:

3 months before your 65th birthday
Birthday month 🎂
3 months after your 65th birthday

During this time, you can enroll in:

Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Part D
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Enrolling early helps avoid delays and penalties.

➡ Read the Full Turning 65 Guide
October 15 – December 7

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

This is the most widely known Medicare enrollment period.

During AEP, you can:

→ Switch Medicare Advantage plans
→ Move from Original Medicare to Advantage
→ Drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare
→ Change Part D prescription plans

Changes take effect January 1.

This is when most plan reviews happen.

➡ Read the Annual Review Guide
January 1 – March 31

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

→ Switch to a different Advantage plan
→ Drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare
→ Add a standalone Part D plan (if returning to Original Medicare)

You can only make one change during this period.

January 1 – March 31

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll in:

Part A
Part B
Coverage Begins July 1
Penalty Risk Late enrollment penalties may apply

Special Enrollment Periods

Special Enrollment Periods allow you to enroll or make changes outside standard windows if certain life events occur.

Common SEPs include:

💼

Losing employer coverage

📍

Moving out of your plan’s service area

🏥

Qualifying for Medicaid

💊

Gaining or losing Extra Help

🩺

Entering or leaving a skilled nursing facility

Each SEP has its own rules and timeline.

➡ Learn About Part B Enrollment & Exceptions | ➡ Take the Medicare Eligibility Quiz

Medigap (Supplement) Open Enrollment Period

This begins when:

● You are 65 or older
● AND enrolled in Medicare Part B

This window lasts 6 months.

During this time:

✔ You cannot be denied coverage
✔ No medical underwriting
✔ No health questions

After this window, approval may require underwriting in most states. Some states like Florida, Indiana, and Illinois offer annual guaranteed issue protections.

This is one of the most important deadlines in Medicare.

➡ Learn About Supplement Plans

What Happens If You Miss Part B Enrollment?

If you delay Part B without creditable employer coverage:

Your premium may increase by 10% for every 12 months you were eligible but did not enroll.

🔴 Permanent
🔴 Added to your monthly premium
🔴 Avoidable with proper timing

Common Medicare Deadline Mistakes

⚠️ Assuming COBRA counts as employer coverage
⚠️ Missing paperwork deadlines after retirement
⚠️ Forgetting to enroll in Part D
⚠️ Not reviewing plan changes annually
⚠️ Waiting too long to enroll in a Supplement plan

These mistakes are often preventable with guidance.

➡ Read About Common Medicare Mistakes

Quick Overview of Key Deadlines

Turning 65
→
Initial Enrollment Period
Oct 15 – Dec 7
→
Annual Enrollment Period
Jan 1 – Mar 31
→
Advantage Open Enrollment
Employer Coverage Ends
→
Special Enrollment Period
Part B Starts
→
6-Month Medigap Window

If you’re unsure which period applies to you, it’s worth reviewing.

We Help You Enroll at the Right Time

During your free review, we:

✔

Identify which enrollment period applies to you

✔

Confirm eligibility and deadlines

✔

Review penalty risk

✔

Coordinate Part B, Advantage, or Supplement timing

✔

Help complete necessary steps

A short review now can prevent long-term penalties.

Schedule Your Free Medicare Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in Medicare anytime?

No. Enrollment depends on specific periods and eligibility rules. Missing the right window can result in penalties or delayed coverage.

What if I’m still working at 65?

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period depending on your employer size and coverage. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Medicare. Learn more about Part B enrollment while working.

Can I change plans every year?

Yes, during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

What happens if I miss my deadline?

You may face permanent penalties, delayed coverage, or both. The specific consequence depends on which enrollment period you missed. Learn about Medicare penalties.

What’s the difference between AEP and OEP?

The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is for everyone with Medicare to change plans. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31) is only for people already in an Advantage plan to make one change. Compare Advantage vs. Supplement paths.

Can I switch from Advantage to a Supplement outside of AEP?

You can apply for a Supplement at any time, but outside your initial Medigap OEP you’ll likely need to pass medical underwriting. Some states offer birthday rule protections. Learn how to switch plans.

Not Sure Which Medicare Enrollment Period Applies to You?

Let’s review your timeline and make sure you enroll correctly.

Schedule Your Free Medicare Consultation 📞 Call (888) 588-5175

Licensed independent Medicare advisor. Reviews provided at no cost to you.