There are specific periods throughout the year when you’re allowed to sign up for Medicare or make changes to your existing plan. Knowing the details of these enrollment periods can help you avoid penalties and ensure that you’re taking full advantage of your Medicare benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key enrollment periods you should know about.​

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1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

• When: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after.

• What It’s For: This is the time when you can first sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you choose to.

• Why It’s Important: Enrolling during your IEP helps ensure you have coverage when you become eligible for Medicare at age 65 and may help you avoid any late enrollment penalties..

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2. General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• When: January 1 to March 31 every year.

• What It’s For: If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage will start on July 1 of that year.

• Why It’s Important: While the GEP provides an opportunity to enroll if you missed your IEP, there may be late enrollment penalties for Part B.

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3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

• When: Timing depends on your specific circumstances.

• What It’s For: You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B because you had other creditable health coverage, such as through an employer. SEPs can also be available for other situations, like moving out of your plan’s service area or losing your current health coverage.

• Why It’s Important: SEPs allow you to enroll in Medicare outside of the regular enrollment periods without facing a late enrollment penalty, provided you meet the criteria.

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4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

• When: January 1 to March 31 every year.

• What It’s For: If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, this period allows you to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You can also join a Part D plan if you switch back to Original Medicare.

• Why It’s Important: This period provides an opportunity to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan if your healthcare needs have changed.

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5. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

• When: October 15 to December 7 every year.

• What It’s For: During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. This includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, or joining, dropping, or changing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

• Why It’s Important: The AEP is an important time to review your Medicare coverage and make any necessary adjustments for the upcoming year.