How long do I have to choose a Medicare plan?
Asked by: Claudia Parker | Last update: July 8, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)
What is the 7 month rule for Medicare?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – The 7-month period when someone is first eligible for Medicare. For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends 3 months after they turn 65. Coverage begins the month after a person signs up during their IEP.
What happens if I don't select a new Medicare plan?
Unless you take action to change it during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current Medicare coverage will renew for the following year.
Can you get Medicare Supplement plans at any time?
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in California anytime if you already have Original Medicare‡ Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older.
Is there a time limit to apply for Medicare?
This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month.
Former SSA Insider Medicare Recommendations
What is the 5 year rule for Medicare?
This rule states that in order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, individuals must have lived in the U.S. as legal permanent residents for at least five continuous years.
What is the cut-off date for Medicare enrollment?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – January 1- March 31 each year.
Is there a deadline for Medicare Supplement plans?
Birthday Rule States
The enrollment windows range from 31 days to 93 days. You can use this time to enroll in the same plan (but with a different company) or a plan that provides less coverage (like switching from Plan F to Plan G). In California there is a 91-day window beginning 30 days before your birthday.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Is there a grace period to change Medicare plans?
You'll have 2 months to join a plan or switch to another plan. There are other events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you think you have an exceptional circumstance that isn't listed on this page call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
What is the 2 2 2 rule in Medicare?
Introduced in the Fiscal Year 2014 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule, the two-midnight rule specifies that Medicare will pay for inpatient hospital admissions when a physician reasonably expects the patient's care to require a stay that crosses two midnights, and the medical record supports this ...
Can I drop my medicare advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage
Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.
What happens if you can't afford a Medicare Supplement plan?
If you are still finding yourself squeezed, look into a Medicare Savings Progam. There are four different programs with different asset and income criteria. These programs can help you to pay for Part A and Part B. They can also enroll you in the Extra Help program to assist with Part D costs.
Can I add a Medicare supplement anytime?
Continuous Guaranteed Issue: Anyone over 65 can enroll in a Medigap plan anytime during the year. Your rate cannot depend on age, gender, or health, but pre-existing conditions may not be covered.
Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan anytime?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 – March 31 each year. It allows you, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, to: Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage), or. Disenroll and return to Original Medicare.
What is the 6 month rule for Medicare?
So if you're enrolling in Medicare only, Social Security only, or both Medicare and Social Security for the first time…and you're more than 6 months beyond your 65th birthday month… your Part A will be backdated a full 6 months from the month you SUBMIT your enrollment for benefits.
What is considered late enrollment for Medicare?
Generally, this is when you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B. It starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
Is the Medicare age changing to 67?
After it was fully phased-in in 2036, the retirement age would remain at 67. Under Social Security, the retirement age will be fully phased in to 67 by 2027. Since 1965, when Medicare was originally enacted, life expectancy has increased by over four years and is projected to continue to increase.