Medicare 101

Find out when you can enroll.

There are certain times during the year when you may be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Find out when you can enroll.

Find Out When You Can Enroll

What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

The Annual Enrollment Period happens annually from October 15 to December 7.

The Annual Enrollment Period is a short window of time between October 15 and December 7 when you can change your Medicare plan. The Annual Enrollment Period is a great opportunity for you to review your current plan information, compare Medicare Advantage plans, and make the changes necessary to find a plan that best fits your budget.

Anyone with Medicare Parts A and B can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan during AEP. Your coverage begins on January 1 as long as you enroll between October 15 and midnight on December 7.

What is Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) happens annually from January 1 - March 30.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1, you may make a one-time election to go to another Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare and make a coordinating change to add or drop Part D Prescription drug coverage.

What is the Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)?

When you first become eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug Plan.

Your ICEP begins 3 months before the date you have both Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time and ends either on:

• The last day of the month after the month in which you first have both Part A and Part B; or
• The last day of your Part B IEP, whichever is later.

Your coverage will begin the month you are eligible for Medicare or the 1st of the month following the month you elect MA or PDP coverage during your ICEP, whichever is later.

What is Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

There are special circumstances that allow changes at other times during the year. With an SEP, your coverage start date depends on the election period you are eligible for.

The most common Special Enrollment Periods happen when:

1. You lose group health insurance coverage
2. You move into an area with different plan options
3. You qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs
4. You have a change in your Medicaid status