I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

Changing your Medicare plan depends on specific enrollment periods, and knowing them can save you headaches down the line. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months around your 65th birthday to join Parts A, B, D, or Medicare Advantage; miss it without other coverage, and penalties loom—10% per year for Part B and 1% per month for Part D, both lifelong. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7, lets you switch between Original Medicare, Advantage plans, or Part D options for the next year, while the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31) offers one tweak if you’re already in Advantage. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) kick in for life events like losing a job’s coverage, typically giving you two months to adjust penalty-free, and the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is for late Part A or B sign-ups if you missed IEP. For Medigap, you get a six-month window starting when you’re 65 and on Part B to enroll without health-based denials—outside that, it’s possible but trickier—something I’ve watched folks overlook until it’s urgent over my years in this field.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

1.  A Medicare supplemental plan may be changed to another Medicare supplement plan at any time of the year. 
2.  A Medicare supplemental plan can be changed to a Medicare Advantage plan between October 15 and December 7. However, this change will not take effect until January 1 of the following year.
3.  Medicare Advantage plans can be changed to another Medicare Advantage plan once during open enrollment, which runs from January 1 to March 31. 
4.  Medicare Advantage plans can revert back to traditional Medicare with a supplement plan between January 1 and March 31. However, you may be without a drug plan for the remaining of the year.
5.  Medicare Part D stand long prescription drug plans can only be changed between October 15 to December 7 and do not take affect until the following year of January one. 
6.  There are other special enrollment periods allow for case by case situations.

Dutch VanHoesen · Answer

The annual enrollment period is Oct 15-Dec 7th. The open enrollment period for those on existing Medicare Advantage plans is Jan 1-Mar 31st.

David Moscowitz · Answer

If you are 64 years old, you can apply for a plan on your 65th Birthday, however it is recommended to speak to  agent 3months before that time. The annual enrollment periods for 2025 is October 15th - December 7th.

Open enrollment period where you can switch plans once for the year, is January 1st - march 31st.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Without a doubt one of the most confusing parts of MEDICARE are all of the various enrollment period options. ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD, OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD, SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS (SEP'S), LIFE EVENT CGANGES, EMPLOYMENT CHANGES...all contribute to the confusion which is why always consulting with an Independent Broker is your best plan of action.

Answered by John L Herman Jr on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA

Answered by John L Herman Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

Annual Enrollment is Oct. 15th - Dec 7th is always a good time. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you can also make a change from Jan. 1st - March 31st. There are also a good amount of Special Enrollments (life changing events)

Answered by Julie Joyce on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 9 other states

Answered by Julie Joyce Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?

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I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?

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