Understand Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period

For most people, the first enrollment window surrounds their 65th birthday. This is often when they decide whether to enroll in Part A, Part B, a Part D plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medigap policy depending on their situation.

Annual Enrollment Period

The annual fall enrollment season is when people with Medicare can review and change certain plan choices for the following year, especially Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage.

Special Enrollment Periods

Some life events, such as loss of employer coverage or moving out of a plan's service area, may trigger a special enrollment period that allows changes outside the standard annual window.

Related Medicare Resources