Enrollment Period

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is crucial for getting the coverage you need when you need it. Different enrollment periods apply to different situations, and missing these windows can result in delayed coverage or financial penalties. Let's break down the key Medicare enrollment periods you need to know.

The Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare.

‍When: The 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after)

• Key Actions During IEP:
  • Choose between Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • ​If choosing Original Medicare, consider adding a Medigap plan and a Part D prescription drug plan.​
  • Research plans carefully to ensure they cover your doctors and hospitals.​
  • Make sure the overall cost (premiums, deductibles, etc.) fits your budget.

Service and Support: How you enroll can impact the level of service you receive, both during enrollment and later on. Consider:

• Local Independent Agent: Offers personalized guidance, can help in the future with questions or during Open Enrollment.
• National Call Center-Based Insurers and Agencies: Might have less personalized attention or high employee turnover.

• When: October 15 - December 7 each year

• What You Can Do:
  • Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
  • ​Change Medicare Advantage plans​
  • Change Part D drug plans

Certain life events (moving, losing employer coverage) might qualify you for an SEP outside the standard periods.