The current enrollment period depends on the month you're reading this

Medicare has several enrollment periods each year, and which one is open right now changes month to month. The period you're in determines whether you can join a Medicare plan, switch plans, or make changes to your coverage. If you're looking to change your plan or sign up, the first step is finding out which enrollment window is actually open today.

The main enrollment periods are Initial Enrollment Period (when you first turn 65), Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), and Special Enrollment Periods (triggered by life changes like moving or losing employer coverage). There are also separate windows for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Knowing which period applies to you matters because missing a important date can mean waiting months before you can make changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year and is when most people can switch Medicare plans or coverage types.
  • Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window starting three months before the month you turn 65, and missing it can result in permanent penalties.
  • Special Enrollment Periods open when you experience may have access to life events like moving, losing job-based coverage, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid.
  • Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans have their own separate enrollment windows within the Annual Enrollment Period.
  • You can check which period is currently open by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting Medicare.gov.

Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the main window when most people can make changes to their Medicare coverage. It runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, switch between Medicare Advantage plans, add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, or switch between Part D plans.

Any changes you make during Annual Enrollment Period take effect on January 1 of the following year. This means if you enroll in a new plan in November, your coverage starts January 1. If you miss this window and don't have a may have access to reason for a Special Enrollment Period, you'll have to wait until the next October to make changes.

Initial Enrollment Period: Seven months around your 65th birthday

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a one-time window that lasts seven months total. It starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in June, your Initial Enrollment Period runs from March through September.

During this period, you must sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) if you're not already covered through your employer. If you miss this important date and don't have employer coverage or another may have access to reason, you'll face a permanent penalty on your Part B premiums for as long as you have Medicare. This penalty is 10 percent for each full year you delayed enrollment, and it stacks — so waiting five years means a 50 percent penalty that never goes away.

Special Enrollment Periods: When life changes open a window

A Special Enrollment Period is a temporary window that opens when you experience certain life events. These events include moving to a new state, losing employer-based health coverage, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid or Extra Help (a program that helps pay for Part D), getting married or divorced, or having a significant change in income. Some people also may have access to if they're in a Medicare Advantage plan that's leaving the market or if their plan significantly changes its coverage.

The length of a Special Enrollment Period depends on the reason. Most last two months, though some are longer. You must act within the specific timeframe — you can't use a Special Enrollment Period retroactively. If you experience a may have access to event, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm you're may be able to access and to understand your important date.

Medicare Advantage and Part D have their own enrollment windows

While Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans can be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period, they also have a separate Medicare Advantage and Part D Enrollment Period that runs January 1 to March 31 each year. During this window, you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or make changes to your Part D coverage.

The January through March window is useful if you realized during the year that your current plan isn't working for you. However, you can only use this period if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. If you don't have coverage yet, you'll need to wait for your Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Enrollment Period.

How to find out which period is open right now

The easiest way to know which enrollment period is currently open is to call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Representatives can tell you which windows are open, whether you're may be able to access to make changes, and what your options are. The call is free, and they can answer questions about your specific situation.

You can also visit Medicare.gov and look for the "Enrollment and Plans" section, which shows current enrollment periods and important date. The site also has a plan comparison tool where you can see what plans are available in your area and when you can enroll in them. If you use a computer or smartphone, this is a good way to browse options at your own pace before calling Medicare with specific questions.

What happens if you miss an enrollment period

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without a may have access to reason, you'll face a permanent penalty on your Part B premiums. If you miss Annual Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period, you'll have to keep your current coverage until the next enrollment window opens — which could be months away.

The exception is if you have a may have access to life event. If you move, lose coverage, or experience another may have access to change, you may be able to open a Special Enrollment Period even if Annual Enrollment Period has closed. The key is acting quickly — most Special Enrollment Periods last only two months, so contact Medicare as soon as the event happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Medicare plan right now if we're not in Annual Enrollment Period?

Only if you have a may have access to life event, such as moving to a new state, losing employer coverage, becoming may be able to access for Medicaid, or experiencing another change that Medicare recognizes. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm whether your situation qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period and what your important date is.

What's the penalty for missing my Initial Enrollment Period?

You'll pay a permanent 10 percent increase on your Part B premiums for each full year you delayed enrollment. This penalty stays with you for life, even if you enroll later. The only exception is if you had employer coverage or another may have access to reason for the delay.

Can I change my Part D plan during the January to March window?

Yes, if you're already enrolled in a Part D plan. The January 1 to March 31 window lets you switch between Part D plans or drop coverage. If you don't currently have Part D, you'll need to wait for Annual Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.

Do I have to wait until October to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?

No. You can switch back to Original Medicare during Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage and Part D Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). If you have a may have access to life event, you may also open a Special Enrollment Period outside these windows.

What if my Medicare Advantage plan is leaving my area?

If your plan is discontinuing service in your area, you'll receive a notice from your plan. This triggers a Special Enrollment Period that usually lasts from when the plan notifies you through the end of the month the plan leaves. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this window.