Know when you can enroll or change coverage
A practical starting point for understanding your choices. Check the official sources for details that apply to you.
Your first enrollment
Many people become eligible for Medicare at 65; others qualify earlier because of disability or certain health conditions. Your timing for signing up for Part A and Part B depends on your circumstances and any other health coverage. Missing an applicable enrollment window can lead to a gap in coverage or a late enrollment penalty.
Joining a Medicare Advantage or drug plan has its own enrollment rules. Before you act, confirm the start dates shown on your Medicare card, the plan's service area, and the window that applies to you. If you have employer or union coverage, ask its benefits administrator what changing coverage would mean.
Annual Open Enrollment
From October 15 through December 7, people who already have Medicare can generally join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Medicare drug plan for the following year. Changes made during this period generally begin January 1.
Use this time to read your current plan's notice of changes, even if you are happy with it. Check next year's premiums, provider network, formulary, pharmacy network, and costs for your own care and medicines before deciding to keep or change a plan.
Other chances to change
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. During that window you may be able to make one change to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with the option to join a separate drug plan.
Some events, such as moving outside your plan's service area or losing other qualifying coverage, can open a Special Enrollment Period. The exact choices and deadlines depend on the event. Check Medicare.gov or speak with Medicare about your situation before relying on a specific date.
Official Medicare sources
Rules and plan details may change. Check Medicare.gov for current information.