‘- Initial enrollment period
The initial enrollment period is a seven-month period that includes three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after you turn 65.
– Annual election period
The Medicare annual election period (AEP) happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, drop or change Medicare coverage.
– Medicare Advantage open enrollment
This one-time change takes place between Jan. 1 to March 31. You must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 1.
– General enrollment period
There is a three-month window from Jan. 1 through March 31 annually where you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time if you missed signing up when you were first eligible, and you are not eligible for a special enrollment period.
– Special enrollment period
In some cases, you may be able to enroll in or switch to a plan outside of the initial enrollment period. This includes changes in your life situation, such as:
You retire and leave a health care plan through your employer or union.
You move out of your current health plan’s service area.