When is the best time of the year to start looking at Medicare options?

Question

Derrick Clevenger · Accepted Answer

For seniors turning 65 - its best to start reviewing options 3 month prior to your birthday month. For Senior already receiving Medicare Benefits, it's important to review your Part D Prescription drug plans during Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 - December 7th. I encourage clients to review their Medicare Supplement rate annually after the first of the year.

Answered by Derrick Clevenger on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, TN & TX

Answered by Derrick Clevenger Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

The best time to enroll in Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), around your 65th birthday, or when you are coming off a Medicare-approved company group Insurance plan. After this period has elapsed, the next best time will depend upon your circumstances. For most of us already on Medicare, it would be between October 15 and December 7 of each year.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Medicare options can be looked at even up to 9 months in advance of your 65th birthday! So gathering your information and being ahead of the game is to your advantage. Learn all you can! See a few agents from companies you would consider - I would limit to about 3-4. Know the companies and their background - some have more legal issues than others! 
If you are working and still have coverage from your employer, you still may want to look at the comparisons of costs for yourself against what Medicare offers, and TAKE YOUR PART A as a backup. Look at your deductibles, Co-Pays, maximum out-of-pocket spending, and coverage limitations. If you plan on taking Full Retirement at 67 for full SS benefits, make sure you are looking at least 6 months in advance, even if the company elects to pay your insurance moving forward. You can only help yourself by comparing.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

The best time to look at Medicare options is when something medically changes, or you received a new medication. Your Medicare plan should work for you no matter what phase of life you are in.

Fred Manas · Answer

The best time to start looking at Medicare options is during the Initial Enrollment Period and the Annual Open Enrollment Period. 

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs when you are first eligible for Medicare, typically around age 65, and lasts for seven months. 

The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing you to switch plans for the following year.

Steve Brauer · Answer

The absolute earliest you can discuss Medicare options with your Independent Medicare Broker would be October 1st. The newest plans and options are released to brokers in September and the earliest they can discuss them is in October.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

The best time to start researching Medicare options is three months before you turn 65, during your Initial Enrollment Period. This seven-month window includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Linster · Answer

I would recommend looking 3-6 months before your 65th birthday. This allows you to get fully educated and pick the plan that fits your needs best.

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

Start looking in September or early October. This gets you ready for the main Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.
New to Medicare? Your Initial Enrollment Period is around your 65th birthday. Start looking a few months before you turn 65. This gives you time to compare options without rushing.

Fran Lovelace · Answer

October of each year.  October is when the following year's plans become available for review.
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Judi Norton · Answer

There really is no 'BEST TIME OF THE YEAR' to start looking at Medicare Options.  Everything hinges on your particular situation and the Election Periods set by the Center of Medicare Services.

Rene Apack · Answer

Shop every year during Medicare Open Enrollement between October 15th and December 7th.

I offer a free consultation with no obligation.

Best wishes,

Rene Apack
847-917-4870

Mark Mabaquiao · Answer

It depends on your situation. If you are about to retire and lose group health coverage, I recommend you start preparing about 2.5 to 3 months before you lose employer coverage. On the other hand, if you already have a Medicare Advantage or stand-alone drug plan, you can start reviewing your options for the following year on October 1. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you can actually review your options any time during the year.

Answered by Mark Mabaquiao on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in NV, AZ, CA, FL, HI & IL

Answered by Mark Mabaquiao Medicare Insurance Agent

When is the best time of the year to start looking at Medicare options?

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When is the best time of the year to start looking at Medicare options?

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