Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods: Key Dates You Need to Know

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple enrollment windows to keep track of. Whether you're approaching age 65 or are already enrolled, knowing when and how you can make changes to your coverage is key to getting the most out of your plan.

Medicare Advantage offers several enrollment periods throughout the year, each with its own purpose and rules. Some are tied to your age or life events. Others happen annually, giving you a chance to review and adjust your coverage.

Here’s an easy guide to navigating the main enrollment periods so you can make confident decisions about your healthcare.

MEDICARE INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare. If you’re turning 65, your IEP lasts for seven months. 

The window to sign up begins three months before your birthday month, continues through your birthday month, and extends for three months afterward.

This period is your chance to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can also choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan during this time.

Remember, Part A helps with costs for hospital stays and related inpatient care. Part B helps with costs for doctors, outpatient visits, and preventive care.

MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is the main time to review and update your Medicare Advantage plan coverage.

During AEP, you can:

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

Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Think of AEP as your proactive step—you look ahead and choose the plan that will work best for the year to come. Review your current doctors, medications, and costs before making a decision.

Not sure what choices you have when it comes to Medicare Advantage coverage? This guide to understanding Medicare options can help you learn more about different Medicare plans.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

From January 1 to March 31, Medicare Advantage members have another opportunity to change plans: the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). OEP acts as a safety net. If the plan you chose during AEP isn’t meeting your expectations—maybe your doctor isn’t in-network or drug costs are higher than expected—this gives you one chance to switch.

During OEP, you can:

• Add a Part D drug plan if you go back to Original Medicare
• Drop your plan and return to Original Medicare
• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan

You can only make one change during this time, with coverage starting on the first of the following month.

Who is eligible for OEP?

Current Medicare Advantage members. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, you can make one change during OEP.

New Medicare members. If you just became eligible for Medicare and signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you get an OEP as well. Your window begins the month your Part A and Part B coverage starts and lasts three months.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are not tied to the calendar. They apply when specific events happen in your life that affect your coverage. Here are a few examples of events that may qualify you for a SEP:

• You move outside of your plan’s service area
• You move back to the U.S. after living out of the country
• You lose employer benefits
• You’re no longer eligible for Medicaid

These are just a few life events that can trigger a SEP. If you think you might have a qualifying life event, give our member services a call at 855-442-9900 (TTY:711). We can help you navigate your situation and explore coverage options.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Understanding Medicare’s different enrollment periods empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. Whether you're enrolling for the first time, reviewing your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, making adjustments during Open Enrollment, or navigating a Special Enrollment Period due to life changes, each window gives you a chance to ensure your plan fits your needs.

By understanding these windows, you can make confident choices, avoid gaps in coverage, and ensure your plan supports your health needs.

To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, visit selecthealth.org/medicare or call the Medicare Agent Assistance Team at 800-442-9940 (TTY: 711).

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