Medicare Enrollment: When, How and Where
Getting Medicare at the right time can provide peace of mind, security and savings.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Most people sign up for Medicare when they turn 65. This is the best time to enroll because you'll avoid paying late enrollment penalties.
Initial Enrollment Period
The initial enrollment period for Original Medicare and prescription drug (Part D) coverage is a 7-month window:
- The 3 months before your 65th birthday
- The month of your birthday, and
- The 3 months after
To sign up for a prescription drug plan, you first need to be enrolled in Parts A or B. If you don't sign up for Part D during this period, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
General Enrollment Period
If you missed your initial enrollment period, you can enroll in Original Medicare during the general enrollment period. However, there may be a penalty for late enrollment.
- January 1 to March 31, every year
- Your coverage begins on July 1 of the same year
After signing up for Original Medicare, you can enroll in a prescription drug plan between
Special Enrollment Period
There are certain events that may qualify you for a special enrollment period for Original Medicare. For instance:
If you work past 65 or continue health coverage with your employer. This period lasts 8 months after you stop working or when your coverage ends (whichever comes first).
If you lose your employer retiree health coverage. In this case, your special enrollment period lasts 6 months after your coverage ends.
In either case, you have 2 months to enroll in a prescription drug plan after the month your employer health coverage ends.
Learn more about other qualifying events at medicare.gov.
Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period
If you're already enrolled in Original Medicare, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period.
- October 15 through December 7, every year
- Your coverage will begin January 1
- You must continue paying your Part B premium
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Open Enrollment Period
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during the open enrollment period, which is a 6-month window:
- The month of your birthday, plus
- The 5 months after that
If you don't sign up for Medicare Supplement during your open enrollment period, you can sign up any time. However, you may be required to answer medical questions in order to qualify for coverage later.
To be eligible for a Medical Supplement plan, you must be enrolled in Part B and cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
