What are the 3 enrollment periods for Medicare?
Asked by: Ruth Gusikowski | Last update: November 21, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)
What is the enrollment period for Medicare?
Your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period)
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.
What is the difference between open enrollment period and annual enrollment period?
Medicare Annual Enrollment is when anyone who has Medicare can make coverage changes for the upcoming year, while Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is only for people who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Another difference between the two is the timing.
What Medicare enrollment period occurs between Jan 1st and March 31st?
3. General Enrollment Period. You can also sign up for Part A and/or Part B between January 1 and March 31 each year if both of these conditions apply: You didn't sign up when you were first eligible.
What is the cut-off date for Medicare enrollment?
The usual times to make changes are the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). In addition, Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow dually eligible members to make changes at other times of the year.
Medicare Explained: A Deep Dive Into Enrollment Periods
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.
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).
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 penalty for not signing up for Medicare Part A at 65?
Part A late enrollment penalty
If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.
What is the Medicare open enrollment period for 2024?
Don't miss these important Medicare open enrollment dates. October 15, 2024First day of Medicare open enrollment. December 7, 2024Last day of Medicare open enrollment. January 1, 2025 New Medicare coverage begins.
Do I need to apply for Medicare every year?
Unless you take action to change it during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current Medicare coverage will renew for the following year. Automatic renewal helps ensure that you will have continuing coverage.
How much does Medicare Part D cost?
The average estimated monthly Part D plan premium in 2025 is $46.50. Other factors can affect the cost of Part D including monthly premium, yearly deductible and copayments. High-income earners may pay a surcharge known as the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA).
Is there a penalty to switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare?
There is no penalty for switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. And, if you decide you want to switch again, there's also no penalty to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. You can switch between the two types of coverage as many times as you want.
What are the three requirements for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older.
- Disabled.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Is it a good idea to get Medicare if you're still working at 65?
If your or your spouse's employer has 20 or more employees and a group health plan, you don't have to sign up for Medicare at 65. But if you get Medicare Part A for free, typically you should sign up. (After all, it's free.) In some cases, Medicare Part A may cover what your employer plan doesn't.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
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.
Is signing up for Medicare at 65 mandatory?
You're not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
Can I get Medicare if I never worked but my husband did?
If you do not have at least 40 calendar quarters of work during which you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S., but your spouse does, you may be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on your spouse's work history when you turn 65.
Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?
Health systems and hospitals are also making the decision to cancel contracts due to excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Already 27 health systems have canceled their Medicare Advantage contracts this year.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons
One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.
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.
Does Medicare cover dental?
In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.
Is Medicare Part D mandatory?
Enrollment in Part D is generally voluntary, however, some people are required to be enrolled, and others should not enroll.