2012 Medicare Advantage Enrollment Timelines
Medicare beneficiaries can enroll for, or switch their Medicare Part C and Part D coverage ONLY during certain times of the year. If you are newly enrolling in Medicare, you have the 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday.
There may be other situations that would allow you to enroll in Medicare or change your Medicare Advantage plan, such as you move outside the plan's service area, you lose employer group coverage, or you qualify for extra help with prescription drug costs. UPMC for Life can help you determine if you meet these criteria, give us a call at 1-866-400-5077 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-361-2629) and we'll help you understand your personal enrollment timeline. Our hours of operations are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.*
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Timelines
| Starting Medicare | Already on Medicare | |
| Initial Election Period | Annual Election Period | Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period |
| 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday | October 15 — December 7 | January 1 — February 14 |
| You may initially enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan and Part D prescription drug plan. | Compare plans and find the best plan for you for the next year. You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage and change to a Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective January 1. | You can only disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan. You will be on Original Medicare and can join a Prescription Drug plan. Your coverage will be effective the first of the following month. |
