Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained
Enrolling in Medicare at the right time is critical. Missing your enrollment window can result in late enrollment penalties and coverage gaps. Here's what you need to know.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is the best time to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B to avoid late enrollment penalties.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 – March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1. You may face a late enrollment penalty for Part B: 10% of the standard premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you or your spouse are still working and covered by employer health insurance when you turn 65, you can delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. You'll have a Special Enrollment Period that lasts 8 months after your employment or employer coverage ends.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7 is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. During this time you can switch plans, add drug coverage, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan).
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