What the Open Enrollment Period Is

The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare is a set window each year when you can sign up for Medicare, switch plans, or make changes to your current coverage. For most people, this period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During these weeks, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must accept your enrollment or plan changes without penalty.

Outside this window, you generally cannot switch plans or enroll in new coverage unless you have a may have access to life event — such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or getting married. Missing the important date can mean waiting a full year before you can make changes, or paying a permanent penalty on your premiums.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, and coverage changes take effect January 1.
  • You can enroll in Medicare for the first time, switch from one plan to another, or drop coverage during this period without penalty.
  • If you miss the important date and do not have a may have access to life event, you cannot change plans until the next Open Enrollment Period.
  • Delaying enrollment when you first become may be able to access can result in a permanent increase to your Part D and Part B premiums.
  • You can make changes online through Medicare.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

When Open Enrollment Happens Each Year

Open Enrollment always begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. This is the same window every year, so you can mark your calendar now. Any changes you make during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year.

If you are new to Medicare and turning 65, you have a separate Initial Enrollment Period that lasts seven months — it begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. During this window, you can enroll without waiting for October. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you will have to wait for the next Open Enrollment in October, and you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums.

What You Can Change During Open Enrollment

During Open Enrollment, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) for the first time, switch from one Advantage plan to another, or drop your Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. You can also enroll in or switch prescription drug plans (Part D). If you are in Original Medicare and want to add a Medigap supplemental policy, you can do that year-round, but Open Enrollment is a good time to review your options.

You cannot change your Part A (hospital insurance) or Part B (medical insurance) elections during Open Enrollment unless you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time. Part A and Part B are locked in once you enroll, unless you have a may have access to life event that allows you to make changes outside the standard window.

Penalties for Missing the important date

If you do not enroll in Part D when you first become may be able to access and do not have creditable coverage from an employer or union, you will pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D coverage. The penalty is roughly 1 percent of the national average Part D premium for each month you were without coverage. This penalty is permanent — it does not go away once you finally enroll.

The same applies to Part B. If you delay enrolling in Part B beyond your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have group health coverage through an employer, your Part B premium will increase by 10 percent for each year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty also stays with you for life.

Medicare Advantage plans do not charge a late enrollment penalty, but you can only enroll during Open Enrollment or during your Initial Enrollment Period unless you have a may have access to event.

How to Make Changes During Open Enrollment

You can enroll or make changes online at Medicare.gov. The website has a plan comparison tool where you can see which plans are available in your area, what they cost, and which doctors and pharmacies they cover. You can complete your enrollment right on the site.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with someone who can walk you through your options and help you enroll over the phone. Representatives are available seven days a week. If you prefer to meet in person, you can visit your local Social Security office — staff there can help you enroll in Medicare, though they cannot advise you on which plan to choose.

Many community centers, senior centers, and Area Agencies on Aging offer free counseling during Open Enrollment. These counselors, called State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) advisors, can review your current coverage and help you understand whether switching plans would save you money. This service is free and unbiased.

may have access to Life Events That Allow Changes Outside Open Enrollment

If you experience certain life changes, you may be able to enroll in or switch Medicare plans outside the standard Open Enrollment window. These may have access to events include losing employer or union coverage, moving to a new state, getting married or divorced, having a death in your household, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid or the Low-Income Subsidy program.

When a may have access to event happens, you typically have 60 days from the date of the event to make changes. You will need to provide proof of the event — such as a letter from your employer saying coverage ended, or a divorce decree. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report your may have access to event and learn what documentation you need to submit.

What to Do Before Open Enrollment Starts

Start preparing in September, before October 15 arrives. Review your current plan's costs, coverage, and network. Check whether your doctors and pharmacies are still in-network, and whether your medications are still covered at the same cost tier. Plans change every year — a drug that was cheap last year may be more expensive this year, or a doctor may have left the network.

Make a list of your current medications and their dosages, and note which pharmacy you use. When you compare plans on Medicare.gov, you can enter this information to see what each plan would charge you. Use the plan comparison tool to estimate your total out-of-pocket costs under each option, not just the premium.

If you are unsure whether a plan is right for you, contact your State Health Insurance information Program before Open Enrollment ends. SHIP counselors can review your specific situation and help you understand the trade-offs between plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the December 7 important date?

You cannot make changes until the next Open Enrollment Period in October, unless you have a may have access to life event. If you were supposed to enroll when you first became may be able to access and missed that important date too, you may owe a permanent penalty on your premiums. Contact Medicare when ready to report any may have access to events you have experienced.

Can I change my mind after I enroll during Open Enrollment?

Yes. You have until December 31 to make additional changes to your plan selections. After December 31, your new coverage takes effect on January 1, and you are locked in until the next Open Enrollment Period — unless you have a may have access to life event.

Do I have to do anything if I want to keep my current plan?

No. If you are happy with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan and want to keep it, you do not need to take any action. Your coverage will automatically renew on January 1. However, it is still a good idea to review your plan's costs and coverage each year, because plans change.

What if my plan is being discontinued?

If your current plan is ending, Medicare will send you a notice by September 30. You must choose a new plan during Open Enrollment, or you will lose coverage on December 31. Medicare will automatically enroll you in a similar plan if you do not make a choice, but you should review the automatic assignment to make sure it works for you.

Can I enroll in Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?

No. You can have either Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, but not both. If you switch from Advantage to Original Medicare and want to add Medigap, you should enroll in both during Open Enrollment to avoid gaps in coverage.