Medicare Enrollment Periods

Medicare has four enrollment windows: your Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible, the Annual Enrollment Period each fall, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period each winter, and Special Enrollment Periods triggered by specific life events. Each one allows different changes, and using the wrong one, or missing one entirely, can cost you money or coverage.

When you first enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you select Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which combines the two types of coverage. Part D prescription drug coverage is also available with either option. Once you make your selection, you are not stuck with it for life. Medicare gives you several opportunities to change your plan depending on your situation.

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

From October 15 to December 7 each year, you can change your Part C or Part D coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period. This is the widest window: you can move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in either direction, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or enroll in, cancel, or change a Part D plan. See our full AEP breakdown for the complete rules and deadlines.

At this time, you can:

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different one
• Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan
• Cancel your Part D prescription drug plan
• Change your Part D prescription drug plan

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

From January 1 to March 31 each year, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get one chance to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, drop it and return to Original Medicare, or add or drop a Part D plan. You cannot use this window to join Medicare Advantage for the first time from Original Medicare. See our full OEP guide for details on what you can and cannot do.

During this time you can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original (Parts A and B) Medicare
• Add a Part D prescription plan
• Drop a Part D prescription plan

Yes, you can drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, but do not count on a Medigap plan if that is your intention. Medigap carriers can medically underwrite and decline you outside specific guaranteed-issue situations.

What If You Need to Make Changes Outside These Windows?

In certain situations, such as a move or loss of coverage, you may qualify for a two-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to make changes to your Medicare plan outside AEP or OEP.

For example, moving from one service area to another may qualify you for an SEP if your current plan’s network is not available at your new address. During your SEP, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, or return to Original Medicare, without penalty. In some situations, you may also be able to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. This is called a guaranteed-issue right.

If you believe you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, contact your plan administrator as soon as possible after the qualifying event. We can help you determine whether you qualify and walk you through the process.