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Medicare Enrollment Types and Key Dates

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Description: This is the first chance for consumers to enroll in Medicare. It lasts for seven months, starting three months before the month of their 65th birthday, including their birthday month, and ending three months after. Key Dates:

• Start: 3 months before the 65th birthday month

• End: 3 months after the 65th birthday month

2. General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Description: If consumers miss their Initial Enrollment Period, they can enroll during the General Enrollment Period. However, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Key Dates:

• Start: January 1

• End: March 31

• Coverage Start Date: July 1

3. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Description: Also known as the Open Enrollment Period, this is the time when all Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug coverage. Key Dates:

• Start: October 15

• End: December 7

• Coverage Start Date: January 1

4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

Description: This period is for current Medicare Advantage plan members to make one change to their plan or switch back to Original Medicare. Key Dates:

• Start: January 1

• End: March 31

• Coverage Start Date: First day of the month following the request

5. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Description: These periods are for individuals who qualify due to special circumstances, such as moving out of their plan’s service area, losing other insurance coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid. Key Dates:

• Various: Depends on the qualifying event

Eligibility for Enrollment

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Who is Eligible:

• Individuals aged 65 or older

• Individuals under 65 with certain disabilities

• Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Who is Eligible:

• Individuals entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B

• Residents within the plan’s service area

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

Who is Eligible:

• Individuals entitled to Part A and/or enrolled in Part B

• Residents within the plan’s service area

Special Notes on Enrollment

1. Late Enrollment Penalty: If consumers do not sign up for Part B or Part D when they are first eligible and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as they have Medicare coverage.

2. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

   • Enrollment Period: Starts the first month they have Part B and are 65 or older.

   • Duration: 6 months

   • Notes: During this period, they can buy any Medigap policy sold in their state, regardless of health conditions.