– Initial enrollment period The initial enrollment period is a seven-month period that includes three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after you turn 65. – Annual election period The Medicare annual election period (AEP) happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, drop or change Medicare coverage. – Medicare Advantage open enrollment This one-time change takes place between Jan. 1 to March 31. You must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 1. – General enrollment period There is a three-month window from Jan. 1 through March 31 annually where you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time if you missed signing up when you were first eligible, and you are not eligible for a special enrollment period. – Special enrollment period In some cases, you may be able to enroll in or switch to a plan outside of the initial enrollment period. This includes changes in your life situation, such as: You retire and leave a health care plan through your employer or union. You move out of your current health plan’s service area. Call Kevin Leinum – your local Medicare Expert about what Medicare covers or how enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan can improve your coverage and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
