Understanding when you can enroll or make Medicare changes is important. There are several enrollment periods throughout the year – each with its own rules, deadlines, and opportunities to make changes. Here’s a simple overview of the key enrollment windows so you know exactly when you can sign up or make updates to your coverage:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday, including your birth month, and runs until three months after. This is your first chance to sign up for Medicare.

• General Enrollment Period (GEP): Missed your IEP? Between January 1st and March 31st each year, you can enroll in Original Medicare for the first time. With a GEP, there may be a late enrollment penalty as well as delayed coverage, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Certain life events – such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help – may allow you to enroll in Medicare or make plan changes outside of standard enrollment periods. There is no penalty if you time this correctly.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Just like with traditional healthcare insurance, from October 15th through December 7th every year, you can switch plans or add coverage for the next year.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): From January 1st to March 31st, those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D).