Approximately one-third of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C).1 But how and when can you enroll in a Part C plan?
Medicare requires that you enroll, disenroll or make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan only during pre-determined enrollment periods.
You can call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help determine your eligibility and help you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you're eligible.
Find Medicare Advantage plans in your area
Compare PlansOr call TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
When can you join a Medicare Advantage plan?
Once you find a Medicare Advantage plan you wish to enroll in, you may be able to apply online or over the phone.
| Enrollment period | Dates | Actions you can take during this period |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 |
- Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans (aka Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP) | Starts October 15 Ends December 7 |
- Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan - Switch Medicare Advantage plans - Leave a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | Starts January 1 Ends March 3 |
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans |
| Special Enrollment Period | Depends on your personal situation | - Depends on your personal situation |
When you apply for coverage, you must provide your Medicare number and the dates that your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage began. These dates are listed on your Medicare card.
Find your personal situation below to determine when you can enroll in, leave or make changes to a Medicare Advantage plan.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Each person who becomes eligible for Medicare will be granted an Initial Enrollment Period where they may enroll in Medicare for the very first time.
Your Medicare IEP will begin three months before you turn 65 years old, include the month of your birthday and continue on for three additional months for a total of seven months.
Example: You turn 65 on June 5. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts on March 1 (3 full months before June) and ends September 30 (3 full months after June).
If you become eligible for Medicare before 65 due to a qualifying disability, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan after you have been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 21 full months.
After that point, you have 7 full months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your coverage will begin on your 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you are eligible for Medicare the first month you receive your disability benefits.
If you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you typically cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You may be able to enroll in a Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) that is designed to help meet your specific health care needs, if a Medicare SNP is available where you live.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is also sometimes called the Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
Medicare AEP occurs every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, those who are already enrolled in Original Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
During AEP, you may also switch Medicare Advantage plans or drop your plan entirely to return to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Depending on your circumstances, you may potentially qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Special Enrollment Periods do not have a scheduled beginning or ending date. These periods may be granted at any time throughout the year to beneficiaries who experience qualifying events such as :
- Changing where you live
- Losing your current health insurance
- Getting an opportunity to obtain other coverage
- Having your plan change its contract with Medicare
- Other special situations
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help determine if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
Find a Medicare Advantage plan in your area
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent today to discuss your eligibility and find out how to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that’s right for your needs.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area
Compare PlansOr call TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
