Enrollment Periods

Your first main chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. It’s the window most people use when they’re first becoming eligible.

The big, once-a-year window when most people make plan changes for the next year.

A yearly window to enroll in Part A (if you need to buy it) and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when you first could.

A limited window for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage to make a change early in the year.

A Special Enrollment Period that lets you sign up for Part B after 65 if you delayed because you had current employer health coverage (yours or a spouse’s).

Your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when you’re newly eligible.

Your first chance to get Medicare prescription drug coverage.

A case-by-case Special Enrollment Period for certain unusual situations Medicare recognizes as “exceptional.”

The main protected window to buy a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy with the strongest consumer protections.

Special “consumer protection” rights that can let you buy certain Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans without medical underwriting when a specific qualifying event happens.

A Special Enrollment Period that can let you change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans when you move or have a qualifying change in residence.

A Special Enrollment Period that can open when you lose other health or drug coverage that was helping cover you (like employer or union coverage).

A Special Enrollment Period that can apply when your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is ending or is no longer offered in your area.

A Special Enrollment Period that may let you change plans if you gain or lose Medicaid and/or Extra Help, or if your level of assistance changes.