Medicare Enrollment Timeline

New to Medicare?

You have an Initial Coverage Election Period. You have seven months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. This timeframe includes:

• Three months before the month of your 65th birthday
• The month of your 65th birthday
• Three months after the month of your 65th birthday

Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Original Medicare. Call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

New to Medicare Enrollment Timeline

6 months before birthday	Start doing research on Medicare Advantage plans. Research which companies offer Medicare coverage in your area. Decide what type of plan will best meet your health care needs.
5 months before birthday	Attend an informational seminar about Medicare. You'll learn about what Original Medicare covers, types of Medicare Advantage plans, and get information on Medicare Part D.
3 months before birthday	Sign up for Original Medicare. Enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
	Sign up for Medicare Advantage coverage. Make sure you apply for enrollment three months before your birthday. This ensures you don't have a gap in health care coverage.
3 months after birthday	Last month you can enroll in Original Medicare.

Already on Medicare?

You can change your Medicare Advantage coverage only during certain times of the year.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Timeline

Annual Election Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7	You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage during this time. You can also change to a Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective January 1.
Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31	You can make ONE change to your current Medicare coverage. You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, change to a Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month.
Lock-in Period: Apr. 1 – Oct. 14 Dec. 8 – Dec. 31	You cannot make a plan change after March 31 unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or have Medical Assistance coverage.