Enrollment and eligibility
How to register for Medicare coverage in 3 easy stepsIf you’re becoming eligible for Medicare, or you’re looking to change Medicare plans and coverage, knowing the dates and details of your enrollment period is important.
Here’s some information to help you get the
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When can I sign up for Medicare for the first time?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
For many people, Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period is your first chance to enroll in Original
Dates: IEP begins 3 months before you turn 65, through your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
During your Initial Enrollment Period, you can:
- Enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Delay Medicare Part B (if you already have creditable coverage)
- Enroll in a
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan - Enroll in a
Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Additional information:
- When you become eligible for Original Medicare you also become eligible for Medicare Advantage (Part C). The first enrollment period for Medicare Advantage is called the
Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) . - If you don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may face
late enrollment penalties . - If you’re still employed when you become eligible for Medicare, you may delay enrolling in Part B and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period later. Learn more about
when to sign up for Medicare if you’re still working past 65 .
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is your best time to buy a
Dates: Your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins the first day of the month you have Medicare Part B and you’re age 65 or older. For many people, this is the first day of the month they turn 65.
During Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment, you can:
- Buy any Medicare Supplement policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems
- Potentially get better prices and more choices among policies
Additional information:
- After this 6-month enrollment period ends, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. If you’re able to buy one, it may cost more due to past or present health problems.
- If you apply after your open enrollment period, there is no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a policy, unless you are eligible for a guaranteed issue right.
- If you’re under age 65 and have Medicare, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement policy or the one you want until you turn 65.
- Some states do require companies to sell you a policy, even if you’re under age 65.
When can I join, switch or drop a Medicare plan throughout the year?
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Medicare plans can change each year—including cost, coverage and networks.
Dates: Oct. 15–Dec. 7
During Medicare Open Enrollment, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
- Join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage, or vice versa
- Change Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- Disenroll from a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Additional information:
- Your coverage will begin on Jan. 1 (if the plan gets your request by Dec. 7)
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, the
Dates: Jan. 1–March 31
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage
- Switch back to Original Medicare, and if needed, add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Additional information:
- Changes take place the first day of the following month after the enrollment request is received
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you miss your chance to apply for Original Medicare during your IEP, or you weren’t automatically enrolled, the Medicare General Enrollment Period is your chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B.3
Dates: Jan. 1–March 31
During the General Enrollment Period, you can:
- Sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B
Additional information:
- Coverage will start on July 1
- You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
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When do you qualify for a special enrollment period?
Certain life events may qualify you for a SEP. These can include:
- Losing your existing coverage
- Moving
- Your Medicare plan changed
- Ability to get other healthcare coverage
- Your eligibility changed
Dates: The length of your SEP can vary depending on the type of qualifying event.
- Generally, your SEP will last 2–3 months, depending on the time of the qualifying event
- Your SEP to sign up for Medicare Part B lasts 8 months after your employer health coverage ends
During a Special Enrollment Period, you can:
- Sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you delayed coverage due to employment
- Make changes to your Medicare coverage, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
If you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan will renew automatically. Check out these
Explore your Medicare coverage options
Your health and prescription drug needs can change from year to year. Now that you understand the details about Medicare enrollment periods, it may be a good time to learn more about your Medicare coverage options. Here’s some helpful information to
Humana answers your Medicare questions
Medicare costs
How much will Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cost?Enrollment and eligibility
What if I’m late to enroll in Medicare? Are there penalties?Sources:
- “When does Medicare coverage start?,” Medicare.gov, last accessed June 8, 2023,
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start . - “Get ready to buy,” Medicare.gov, last accessed June 8, 2023,
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy . - “Joining a plan,” Medicare.gov, last accessed June 8, 2023,
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan .