Medicare: When to Enroll
Medicare Enrollment Timelines
There are set times during the year when you can enroll in or change your Medicare plan. Your enrollment timeline can change depending on whether you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time or changing your coverage.
New to Medicare?
You have an Initial Enrollment Period. You have seven months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. This time frame 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.
Understanding the right time to enroll is important. Not doing so could result in delay of coverage, and you could face penalties later on. Here’s how you can prepare to enroll in Medicare for the first time.
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 a community meeting about Medicare. You'll learn about what Original Medicare covers, types of Medicare Advantage plans, and why Medicare Part D is important. |
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 |
This month is the last month you can enroll in Original Medicare. |
Have questions about your Initial Enrollment Period?
Our licensed UPMC for Life Medicare Advisors can answer your questions and help you choose the Medicare plan that's right for you. Our team is here to give you the personal support you deserve. Call us toll-free at 1-844-575-8241 (TTY: 711).
How to sign up for Original Medicare
Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Original Medicare. Call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
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, change your current Medicare Advantage plan, or change to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective Jan. 1. |
Open Enrollment Period:
Jan. 1 – March 31 |
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make ONE change to your coverage. You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, or change to a Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. |
Lock-in Period:
April 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. |
Next Steps
Medicare Eligibility
Turning 65 or retiring soon? It’s time to start thinking about your Medicare enrollment timeline!
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers inpatient and hospital coverage. Learn more about Part A.