727-603-4524
Medicare enrollment periods
When Should You Enroll into Medicare?
Medicare enrollment periods are specific windows of time when you can enroll in Medicare coverage, make plan changes, or adjust your prescription drug coverage. Understanding these enrollment periods is important because missing certain deadlines could lead to late enrollment penalties or delays in coverage.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. This 7-month window surrounds your 65th birthday, or in some cases, your 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
Before Your Birthday Month
You can enroll up to 3 months before the month you turn 65.
Your Birthday Month
This is the month you officially turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare.
After Your Birthday Month
You still have 3 months after your birthday month to enroll, but coverage may be delayed.
What You Can Do During Your IEP
- Sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan
- Apply for a Medicare Supplement plan
When Coverage Starts
If you enroll during the first three months of your IEP, coverage typically begins the first day of your birthday month. Waiting until later in your IEP may delay your coverage start date, so starting early is usually best.
Not sure when your Medicare enrollment window begins? Atlas Benefits can help you understand your timeline and compare your options.
Get Help With My Medicare TimelineAnnual Election Period (AEP)
The Annual Election Period is the time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review their coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.
AEP Begins
This is when you can begin making Medicare plan changes for the next year.
AEP Ends
Changes generally must be submitted by this deadline to take effect for the upcoming year.
New Coverage Begins
Plan changes made during AEP usually begin on January 1 of the following year.
What You Can Do During AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
Why Reviewing Your Plan Matters
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change each year, including premiums, copays, drug formularies, provider networks, and pharmacy options. Reviewing your plan during AEP helps make sure your coverage still fits your health needs and budget.
Atlas Benefits can help you compare your current plan against next year’s options so you can make a confident decision before the deadline.
Review My Medicare PlanMedicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan a limited opportunity to make one change early in the year.
OEP Begins
This window opens at the start of the year for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
OEP Ends
Changes generally must be submitted by this deadline.
New Coverage Begins
Your new coverage usually begins the first day of the month after your plan receives your request.
What You Can Do During OEP
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
- Leave a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
- Join a standalone Part D drug plan if you return to Original Medicare
What You Cannot Do During OEP
- You generally cannot switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan
- You generally cannot join a Part D plan unless you are leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare
- You generally cannot make multiple Medicare Advantage changes during this period
If your Medicare Advantage plan is not working the way you expected, Atlas Benefits can help you understand whether OEP gives you an opportunity to make a change.
Review My Medicare Advantage OptionsSpecial Enrollment Periods (SEP)
Special Enrollment Periods allow you to make Medicare changes outside normal enrollment windows when certain life events or coverage changes happen.
Moving to a New Area
You may qualify for an SEP if you move to a new address where different Medicare Advantage or Part D plans are available.
Losing Employer or Union Coverage
If you lose employer, union, or other creditable coverage, you may have a limited time to enroll in Medicare or a related plan.
Gaining or Losing Medicaid
Changes in Medicaid eligibility may create an opportunity to enroll in, switch, or adjust Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage.
Entering or Leaving a Facility
Moving into or out of a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, long-term care hospital, or similar institution may trigger an SEP.
Plan Changes or Contract Issues
If your plan leaves Medicare, changes its contract, or you lose access to your plan, you may qualify for a special enrollment opportunity.
Extra Help Eligibility
If you qualify for, lose, or have changes to Extra Help for prescription drug costs, you may have special options for Part D coverage.
What You May Be Able to Do
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans
- Return to Original Medicare
- Join, drop, or change a Part D prescription drug plan
Timing Can Vary
Special Enrollment Period rules depend on the type of life event, when it happened, and the coverage involved. Because timing can be limited, it is important to review your options as soon as a qualifying event occurs.
Atlas Benefits can help you determine whether your situation qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period and what Medicare options may be available.
See If I Qualify for a Special Enrollment PeriodGeneral Enrollment Period (GEP)
The General Enrollment Period allows certain individuals who missed their Initial Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B later in the year.
GEP Begins
This enrollment window opens at the beginning of the year.
GEP Ends
Enrollment requests generally must be submitted before this deadline.
Following Month
Coverage generally begins the month after your Medicare enrollment is processed.
Who Uses the GEP?
- People who missed their Initial Enrollment Period
- Individuals who delayed Medicare enrollment without qualifying coverage
- People who need to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B later on
Important Things to Know
Missing your Medicare enrollment window could lead to delayed coverage and possible late enrollment penalties. Depending on your situation, you may pay higher Part B premiums for as long as you have Medicare coverage.
If you missed your Medicare enrollment window, Atlas Benefits can help you understand whether the General Enrollment Period applies to your situation and what options may still be available.
Help Me Understand My Medicare Enrollment OptionsMedigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time 6-month window that begins when you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Age 65 + Part B
This window begins once you are 65 or older and your Medicare Part B coverage has started.
Best Time to Apply
During this period, you generally have the strongest access to Medicare Supplement plans.
Underwriting May Apply
If you apply later, you may have to answer health questions and could be denied depending on your situation.
Why This Period Matters
- Apply for a Medicare Supplement plan with fewer barriers
- Compare Plan G, Plan N, and other Medigap options
- Lock in coverage while your access is strongest
- Avoid waiting until medical underwriting may be required
Important Things to Know
Medigap Open Enrollment is different from the Annual Election Period. This window is tied to your Part B start date and is one of the most important times to review Medicare Supplement options.
Atlas Benefits can help you understand your Medigap enrollment window, compare carriers, and choose a plan that fits your long-term needs.
Review My Medigap OptionsMedicare enrollment periods are an important piece of the Medicare puzzle and if you don't understand them it could cost you thousands of dollars and important coverage. Always feel free to check with Atlas Benefits so see what other election periods you may qualify for!
We may not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.