Initial Coverage Enrollment Period

If you are newly eligible for Medicare, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during an Initial Coverage Enrollment Period. This period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and lasts through the three months after you turn 65.

Annual Enrollment Period

If you already have Medicare coverage benefits, you can enroll or change your plan during an Annual Election Period (called AEP) from October 15 through December 7. Any changes that you make will take effect on January 1.

Open Enrollment Period

From January 1 to March 31, a one-time change is permitted for Medicare Advantage plan enrollees. You may do the following:

• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Change from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare (with or without Part D).

Note: Those in Original Medicare or Original Medicare with a Part D plan cannot use this election period to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Special Enrollment Period

Special enrollment periods are in addition to the annual enrollment periods. You may have an opportunity to participate in a special enrollment period if you have Medicaid, are eligible for Extra Help or if certain events happen in your life. You also may be eligible if you permanently move outside of your current Medicare plan’s service area or if you lose other insurance coverage.