How, When, and Where to Apply

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): When you are first eligible for Medicare, you have what is called an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). That’s when you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, or when you’re automatically enrolled. During this period, you can also decide whether or not to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Every year Medicare has an Open Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time frame, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Also called the Annual Election Period (AEP).

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): In certain cases, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. There are several things that can bring about an SEP, and they are unique to an individual’s circumstance, such as loss of employee coverage, moving outside of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, or qualifying for extra help.

Generally, during this time you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or return back to Original Medicare. 

Make sure to speak to a licensed Medicare insurance agent to find out if you qualify for a Special Election Period.