Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment
When am I eligible for Medicare?
You’re eligible for Original Medicare, Parts A and B, if you qualify for both of the following:
- You must be at least 65 years old, or you’re under 65 and qualify on the basis of a disability or other special situation.
- You’re a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years.
Initial Enrollment Period
An Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long. It includes your 65th birthday month plus the three months before and three months after. It begins and ends one month earlier if your birthday is on the first of the month. During the Initial Enrollment Period you may enroll in Part A, Part B or both. In addition, you may also choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription plan (Part D). Please note that although you are not required to enroll in Part D, there is a penalty of 1% of the average monthly premium for each month you delay enrollment.
When do the Enrollment Periods take place?
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15th – December 7th
During annual enrollment, you may add, drop or switch your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1st – March 31st
If you’re already a Medicare Advantage plan member, you may disenroll from your current plan and either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan one time only, or go back to Original Medicare during this period.
Special Enrollment Period
Depending on certain circumstances, you may be able to enroll in a medicare plan outside of the initial enrollment or annual enrollment time frames.
When do the Enrollment Periods take place?
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15th – December 7th
During annual enrollment, you may add, drop or switch your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1st – March 31st
If you’re already a Medicare Advantage plan member, you may disenroll from your current plan and either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan one time only, or go back to Original Medicare during this period.
Special Enrollment Period
Depending on certain circumstances, you may be able to enroll in a medicare plan outside of the initial enrollment or annual enrollment time frames.