When Can I Sign Up for Medicare?

 

Medicare Plan Option	Your Initial Enrollment Period
Part A - Hospital Insurance Part B - Medical Insurance & Doctor Visits Part C - Medicare Advantage (Parts A, B, and sometimes D bundled together) Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage	(enter birthday month and year)
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)	(enter birthday month and year)

 

October 15th to December 7th

You have the option to change your Medicare plan each year during the Annual Election Period (AEP), October 15th to December 7th. Annual Election Period (AEP) does not apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap).

 

What can I change during Annual Election Period (AEP)?

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer prescription drug coverage.
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• Switch from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another Medicare prescription drug plan.
• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

 

If I change my Medicare plan, when will my new plan begin?

January 1st

 

What if I currently have health insurance from an employer and would like to keep my employer plan?

You can keep your employer’s health insurance plan and when you would like to sign up for Medicare you will have a Special Enrollment Period.

COBRA does not count as an employer plan and you will not have a Special Enrollment Period.

 

January 1st to March 31st

If you are not satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage Plan, you can make the following changes:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without prescription drug coverage)
• Disenroll from your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. You will also be able to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.

 

January 1st to March 31st

If you missed signing up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, and if you do not have a Special Enrollment Period, then you still have the option to sign up for Part A and Part B during the General Enrollment Period, January 1st to March 31st.

 

When will my Medicare coverage start if I sign up during the General Enrollment Period?

Your coverage will not begin until July 1st.

 

Will I have to pay a penalty for signing up during the General Enrollment Period?

Maybe. You may have to pay a penalty as higher Part A or Part B premiums, for missing your Initial Enrollment Period and not qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.