Medicare Enrollment Periods: When and How to Sign Up in 2024

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is one of the most important aspects of getting the right healthcare coverage. Missing these windows can result in penalties and delayed coverage, so it's crucial to know when you can enroll.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that includes:

• 3 months before your 65th birthday
• Your birthday month
• 3 months after your 65th birthday

This is typically the best time to enroll in Medicare as you won't face late enrollment penalties. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

General Enrollment Period

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, you may face late enrollment penalties, and your coverage won't start until July 1.

Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa)
• Change Medicare Advantage plans
• Add, drop, or change Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Special circumstances may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, including:

• Moving to a new area
• Losing employer health coverage
• Qualifying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs
• Moving into or out of a nursing home

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

From January 1 to March 31, people with Medicare Advantage can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan.

Important Tips

• Mark these dates on your calendar well in advance
• Research your options before enrollment periods begin
• Consider working with a licensed insurance agent
• Don't wait until the last minute to make changes