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.

Steven Whetstine · Answer

It depends on your situation.  

If you are in the initial enrollment period, it may be good to get an idea 3-6 months in advance.  Part of this would also depend on which Medicare option you choose.

If you have a life event, it is important to look into your options as soon as possible and determine how much time you have in what is considered a special election period.  A life event could include events such as a move or loss of employer coverage to name a few.

If you have a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, you can change insurance carriers at any time.  There is not a specific timeframe.  Please be aware that underwriting may be involved.  Many people will review their plan when they receive a notification of a change in premium which tends to happen on the anniversary of the policy.

For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans, Medicare beneficiaries will receive an annual notice of change notice in September as to all changes that will take place for the upcoming year.  For discussions on other plans options, you can start checking into plan options on October 1st.  However, you would not be able to make any changes to these plans until the official Annual Enrollment Period which runs from October 15th - December 7th.  

If you make an election and are not satisfied with the plan during the new year, you have from January 1st through March 31st to make one change which is called an Open Enrollment Period, and it could be effective as early as the 1st of the following month.

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.

Alicia Hoilman · Answer

If you are already a Medicare beneficiary, then October starts the Annual Enrollment period which allows you the opportunity to shop around and see what plans are available for the upcoming year. If you are turning 65, definitely start looking 3 months before your 65th birthday which starts your initial enrollment period.

Answered by Alicia Hoilman on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, DE, FL & MD

Answered by Alicia Hoilman Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Mike Henry · Answer

Medicare supplement any time. If you’re just getting on Medicare go ahead and get a Part D. Medicare advantage is also available if just getting on Medicare. 

If you’re just wanting to change your Part D or Medicare advantage then you have to wait for open enrollment. October 15 through December 7

Karen Ansell · Answer

Information on the new Part D plans will be available October 1st. 
I have found the best place to compare is www.Medicare.gov.

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.

Fran Lovelace · Answer

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

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.

George Francis · Answer

Best time to start looking at Medicare options are:
1. During Annual Enrollment Period 
2. A minimum of 3 months prior to turning age 65
3. Prior to moving from one state to another
4. Prior to any expected changes in Medicare/Medicaid status

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

Virginia Barausky · Answer

It depends on when you are going to need it. Usually the best time is 3 months before you need it minimum. I am glad to help you, where are you located?

Edward Wooten · Answer

Once you are approaching 65 or contemplating retirement if you're working past 65 is a good time to start researching. Prior to the beginning of your first 3 months of the seven-month window (IEP-Initial Enrollment Period) is worthwhile. Any changes to existing Advantage plans are released mid-October so contacting an agent can make it easier to decide if your current plan will continue to fit your needs.

Answered by Edward Wooten on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL & MO

Answered by Edward Wooten 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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