Getting Started

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Medicare enrollment periods can be another confusing topic within Medicare. These enrollment periods are critical in ensuring coverage and avoiding late enrollment penalties.

Initial Enrollment

Initial Enrollment Period

The first Enrollment Periods begins when you first become eligible for Medicare. This Enrollment Period is called Initial Enrollment Period. The Initial Enrollment Period currents in a seven-month bubble that begins three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65 and three months after your 65th birthday. During this time, you may enroll into Medicare Parts A and B but also any additional private insurance plans that will help with healthcare coverage including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D. 

Its important to be prepared and plan for your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid a lapse in coverage and late enrollment penalties. 

Important Note: The General Enrollment Period is not a safety net for missing your Initial Enrollment Period. You will be charged a late penalty, and your coverage won’t begin until July 1.

General Enrollment

General Enrollment Period

So, what about if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period? What do you do? Well, you have a second chance called General Enrollment Period. General Enrollment Period happens every year from January 1st to March 31st. During this time you can enroll in Original Medicare and supplemental coverage. Your coverage will begin after the month you enroll. 

Annual Enrollment

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Once you have enrolled in Medicare, you do have the right to review your plan selections and make changes each year. From October 15 to December 7, you can take advantage of the Annual Enrollment Period to make changes to Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) or Part D (Prescription Drug plans). Everyone who has Medicare has Annual Enrollment to make plan changes for the following year. This is the busiest time of the year for your Licensed Medicare Agent. Make sure to make an appointment with your agent if you can. 

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

Special Enrollment

Special Enrollment Period

In certain situations, such as you have moved or loss of employer-group coverage, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare plan(s). All Special Enrollment Periods have time limits to when you can use them. For example, moving from one geographic area to another might qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, if your network is not available at your new home. This Enrollment Period begin when you notify your insurance company, either before or after your move. 

Remember there are several Special Enrollment Periods. If you believe you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you should contact your plan administrator as soon as possible after the qualifying event. We can assist you with this process.

Medicare FAQ's

Got questions? We've got answers

You are eligible to apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period which is a 7 month window. 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65. 

The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is online through SSA.gov or by Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office.

If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits you will be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare, otherwise you will be eligible to enroll during your initial enrollment period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period you can sign up during the General Enrollment period that occurs every year January 1st through March 31st. Coverage becomes effective the month following your enrollment date.

Yes, there are penalties for not signing up for Part B of Medicare and will be added to your premium.

If you need a new Medicare card you can order a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call.

New To Medicare?

Enter your email and receive a free Medicare Getting started guide!

New to Medicare?

Get our FREE Medicare

Quick Start Guide