Medicare enrollment periods: what agents need to know

Open Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7

People can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, with coverage starting January 1 (Medicare.gov: Joining a plan). Plans can begin marketing next year’s offerings on October 1 (42 CFR 422.2263).

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31

People already in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change during this window (Medicare.gov: Joining a plan).

Initial Enrollment Period

The 7-month window starts 3 months before the month a person turns 65 and ends 3 months after it (Medicare.gov: Joining a plan). Signing up before the birthday month means coverage starts the month they turn 65; signing up during or after it means coverage starts the next month (Medicare.gov: When does Medicare coverage start?). Try our turning 65 window finder.

Special Enrollment Periods

Certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage, can open a Special Enrollment Period. Confirm eligibility with the carrier before submitting.

Watch the first three months

A plan change in the first three months of enrollment can trigger full compensation recovery, with some exceptions (42 CFR 422.2274). See rapid disenrollment explained.