Medicare Enrollment Guide

Learn when and how to enroll in Medicare. Understanding enrollment periods and deadlines helps you avoid penalties and get the coverage you need.

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Medicare Enrollment Periods

Different enrollment periods allow you to sign up for or change your Medicare coverage.

Initial Enrollment Period

Your First Chance to Enroll

A 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.

What You Can Do:

  • • Enroll in Medicare Part A and B
  • • Choose a Medicare Advantage plan
  • • Add Medicare Part D coverage
  • • Buy a Medigap policy

Important Notes:

  • • No late enrollment penalties
  • • Automatic enrollment if getting Social Security
  • • Best time for Medigap enrollment
  • • Coverage can start as early as age 65
Open Enrollment Period

Annual Plan Changes

October 15 - December 7 each year. This is when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage for the following year.

What You Can Do:

  • • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
  • • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
  • • Change Medicare Advantage plans
  • • Add, drop, or change Part D plans

Coverage Changes:

  • • Changes take effect January 1
  • • Review plan changes annually
  • • Compare costs and coverage
  • • Check provider networks
Special Enrollment Periods

Qualifying Life Events

Special circumstances that allow you to enroll in or change your Medicare coverage outside of regular enrollment periods.

Qualifying Events:

  • • Moving to a new area
  • • Losing employer coverage
  • • Qualifying for Extra Help
  • • Moving into/out of nursing home

Time Limits:

  • • Usually 2 months to enroll
  • • Must have qualifying documentation
  • • Coverage starts quickly
  • • Contact Medicare for guidance

How to Enroll in Medicare

Follow these steps to enroll in Medicare and get the coverage you need.

1
Check Eligibility

Verify you meet Medicare eligibility requirements based on age, disability, or medical condition.

Learn More
2
Gather Documents

Collect necessary documents like Social Security card, birth certificate, and employment records.

  • • Social Security card
  • • Birth certificate
  • • W-2 forms or tax returns
3
Choose Your Coverage

Decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, and whether you need Part D or Medigap.

Compare Options
4
Submit Application

Apply online at Medicare.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office.

Apply Now
Calendar showing important Medicare enrollment dates

Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties

Enrolling late in Medicare can result in permanent premium increases. Understanding penalties helps you make informed decisions about when to enroll.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

10% increase in monthly premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. This penalty lasts as long as you have Medicare.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

1% of the national base premium for each month you were eligible but didn't have creditable prescription drug coverage.

How to Avoid Penalties

Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period or maintain creditable coverage through your employer or other qualified plans.

Get Help with Medicare Enrollment

Use these official resources to get personalized help with your Medicare enrollment.

Medicare.gov
Official Medicare website

Complete enrollment applications, compare plans, and access all Medicare tools and resources.

Visit Site
1-800-MEDICARE
24/7 phone support

Speak with Medicare representatives for personalized help with enrollment and plan selection.

Call Now
Local Help
In-person assistance

Find local Social Security offices, SHIP counselors, and Medicare events in your area.

Find Help