Medicare Timeline Breakdown
1. Turning 65 — Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the first time you can enroll in Medicare.
Starts: 3 months before your 65th birthday month
Includes: Your birthday month
Ends: 3 months after your birthday month
Total Window: 7 months
During this time you can enroll in:
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Medicare Part A
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Medicare Part B
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Medicare Advantage (Part C)
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Medicare Part D
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Medicare Supplement Plans
2. Medicare Starts
For most people, Medicare coverage begins:
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The 1st day of your birthday month
If your birthday falls on the 1st, coverage may begin the month before
3. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
This is when current Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their plans each year.
Dates: October 15 – December 7
You can:
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Switch Medicare Advantage plans
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Join or change Part D plans
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Return to Original Medicare
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Add or drop coverage
New coverage begins: January 1
4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
For individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Dates: January 1 – March 31
You can:
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Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan
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Return to Original Medicare
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Add a Part D plan if returning to Original Medicare
5. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
Certain life events may allow you to enroll or make changes outside normal enrollment periods.
Examples include:
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Moving to a new area
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Losing employer coverage
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Qualifying for Medicaid
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Moving into or out of a care facility
6. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment
This is one of the best times to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan.
Starts: When you are both:
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Age 65 or older
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Enrolled in Medicare Part B
Lasts: 6 months
During this time, you typically cannot be denied coverage due to health conditions.
7. Late Enrollment Penalties
Missing enrollment deadlines may lead to penalties.
Possible penalties include:
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Part B late enrollment penalty
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Part D late enrollment penalty
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Delayed coverage start dates