Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The IEP is 7 months: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after.

• Sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
• Optionally choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Part D drug plan.
• Enroll early to avoid delays in coverage.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

October 15 – December 7. Changes take effect January 1.

• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
• Change Medicare Advantage plans.
• Join, drop, or switch Part D plans.

Add AEP (recurs yearly)

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)

January 1 – March 31 (for people already in Medicare Advantage).

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or
• Return to Original Medicare (you can add a Part D plan).

Add OEP (recurs yearly)

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

You may qualify if life events change your options, like:

• Moving to a new service area.
• Losing employer/union coverage.
• Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help.