Key dates
When can you enroll or switch?
Medicare has four enrollment windows. Miss yours and you could wait months — or pay penalties for life. Here's when each one happens and what you can do in it.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7
The big one. Anyone with Medicare can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the coming year. Changes take effect January 1. This is when most people review their coverage — plans change their costs and benefits every January.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7 months around your 65th birthday
Your first chance to sign up: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling on time helps you avoid lifelong late penalties on Part B and Part D.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan) once during this window.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
Year-round, if you qualify
Certain life events open a special window: moving to a new area, losing employer or Medicaid coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, moving into or out of a nursing home, and more. An agent can tell you if you qualify.
Not sure which window you're in?
A licensed agent can check your situation in minutes and tell you exactly what you can do right now — free, with no obligation.
Check my options by phoneDon't miss your enrollment window
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