Medicare timing
Signing up for Medicare, changing a plan, and buying Medigap follow different calendars. Here is how to tell them apart.
Choose the right calendar
First enrollment and plan changes are different decisions.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is usually your first opportunity to join Medicare. A Special Enrollment Period may let you join or make changes after a qualifying situation.
Annual plan-change windows apply to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. Medigap has its own protected enrollment period.
Initial Enrollment Period
For most people turning 65: three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after.
Apply before your birthday month if you want Part B to start when you turn 65. First, confirm whether you will be enrolled automatically.
You can still sign up. Part B generally begins the next month if you enroll during your birthday month.
Your window remains open. Part B generally begins the month after you sign up.
If your birthday is on the first of the month, your eligibility month and enrollment window shift one month earlier.
Parts A and B
These periods serve different purposes. Confirm your eligibility before making a change.
Review your Annual Notice of Change, then compare plans. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop Part D. Changes generally begin January 1.
If already in Medicare Advantage, make one change to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and add Part D. This window does not let someone in Original Medicare join Advantage. Changes generally start the next month.
Your protected window begins the first month you are 65 or older and have Part B. During it, an insurer cannot deny a policy or charge more because of health problems.
Understand Medigap EnrollmentSpecial Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Periods depend on the coverage and the situation.
For Parts A and B, qualifying group coverage through your or your spouse’s current employment may let you enroll while covered or for up to eight months after the employment or coverage ends, whichever happens first. COBRA and retiree coverage do not extend that window.
Private-plan rules are different. Moving, changes in Medicaid or Extra Help, and other qualifying situations may allow a Medicare Advantage or Part D change. These windows are not all the same length.
Ask your benefits administrator how your current plan works with Medicare before delaying enrollment.
Timing questions
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can generally sign up for Part A and Part B from January 1 through March 31. Coverage starts the month after you enroll. A late enrollment penalty may apply.
Read more at Medicare.govBring your current coverage details and the change you want to make. A Licensed Sales Agent can help you understand your plan options.
