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 for your Initial Enrollment Period.