Medicare Enrollment Periods: Key Dates and Details for 2024

Figuring out Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of enrollment periods and specific timelines. To help you understand when and how to enroll or make changes to your Medicare coverage, we've detailed the key Medicare enrollment periods below. Understanding these periods can ensure you get the coverage you need without facing unnecessary penalties or delays.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

What is it? The Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare. This period is crucial because missing it can result in penalties and delayed coverage.

When is it? The IEP spans seven months:

• Three months before the month you turn 65
• The month you turn 65
• Three months after the month you turn 65

What can you do during the IEP?

• Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
• Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
• Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Important Tip: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, you still need to sign up for Part D if you need prescription drug coverage.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

What is it? The General Enrollment Period is for those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

When is it? January 1 to March 31 each year.

What can you do during the GEP?

• Sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B

Important Note: Coverage will begin on July 1 of the year you enroll, and you may have to pay late enrollment penalties.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

What is it? The Annual Enrollment Period is the main time each year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage.

When is it? October 15 to December 7 each year.

What can you do during the AEP?

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, drop, or change Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

Important Tip: Changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

What is it? This period allows those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make a one-time change.

When is it? January 1 to March 31 each year.

What can you do during the MA OEP?

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage
• Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare

Important Note: If you switch to Original Medicare during this period, you can also join a Medicare Part D plan.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

What is it? Special Enrollment Periods are triggered by certain life events that allow you to make changes to your Medicare plan outside the usual enrollment periods.

When is it? The timing and duration of a SEP depend on the qualifying event. Common events include:

• Moving out of your plan’s service area
• Losing your current health coverage
• Changes in your eligibility for Medicaid or Extra Help
• Changes in your plan’s contract with Medicare

What can you do during a SEP?

• Enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
• Switch or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan

Important Note: The length of your SEP varies, typically lasting 2-3 months from the time of the qualifying event.

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

What is it? This is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, which can help cover additional costs not covered by Original Medicare.

When is it? The six-month period starts the first day of the month you turn 65 and have enrolled in Medicare Part B.

What can you do during this period?

• Purchase any Medicare Supplement policy available in your state without medical underwriting

Important Note: If you miss this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it could be more expensive due to medical underwriting.

Avoiding Penalties

Missing certain enrollment periods can result in penalties:

• Part B Penalty: If you do not sign up for Part B when first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which is a 10% increase in your Part B premium for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t.
• Part D Penalty: If you go without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage for more than 63 days after your IEP, you may pay a late enrollment penalty, which is calculated based on how long you went without coverage.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the various Medicare enrollment periods is crucial for getting the coverage you need without facing penalties or coverage gaps. Mark these important dates on your calendar:

• IEP: Three months before to three months after your 65th birthday month
• GEP: January 1 to March 31
• AEP: October 15 to December 7
• MA OEP: January 1 to March 31
• SEP: Varies based on life events
• Medicare Supplement OEP: Six months starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B

By keeping these dates in mind and understanding what actions you can take during each period, you can make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Additional Resources

For further information on each enrollment period and to explore your Medicare coverage options, visit the official Medicare website or consult with a licensed Medicare agent. Remember, timely enrollment and making the right coverage choices can significantly impact your healthcare costs and access to services.

This guide aims to provide you with clear, accurate information about Medicare enrollment periods. Ensure you review your specific situation and consult with Medicare experts to make the best decisions for your health coverage needs.