There are Three Different Enrollment Periods to Enroll in Medicare

1. Initial Enrollment

For Medicare Advantage or Part D plans – It is three months before and three months after the month you turn 65 years old.  For example, if your birthday month is June.  You may enroll three months before June or 3 months after when you become age 65 or Medicare eligible.

 

For Medicare Supplement plans – you must enroll no later than six months after the date your Medicare Part B becomes effective.

 

2. Special Election

Certain circumstances, you might be able to enroll outside the initial enrollment or open enrollment.  For example, you moved out of the area or you no longer have a group plan.

 

3. Open Enrollment

Annual open enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th

This is once a year and is the only time you may change your plan.  The plan becomes effective on January 1st.

 

Once you enroll in a plan, it is good for one year.  Should you decide to change to an different carrier or to a supplemental, you would need to wait for open enrollment or one of the two other reasons for enrolling out of the annual enrollment.