Medicare Enrollment Periods

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is critical — missing a deadline can result in permanent late-enrollment penalties.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your IEP is a 7-month window:

3 months before you turn 65

The month you turn 65

3 months after you turn 65

This is your best opportunity to enroll without penalties.

Annual Open Enrollment Period

October 15 – December 7 each year. During this time, you can:

Switch between Medicare Advantage plans

Switch between Part D drug plans

Move from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (or vice versa)

Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Special Enrollment Periods

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you:

Lose employer coverage

Move out of your plan's service area

Move into or out of a skilled nursing facility

Avoiding Penalties

If you miss your IEP without having creditable coverage from an employer, you may face:

Part B: 10% premium surcharge for each 12-month period you delayed

Part D: 1% monthly premium penalty for each month without coverage

A Medicare broker can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.