Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Medicare Enrollment Periods stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Feb 3, 2023

Don't Miss Your Window: Your Guide to Medicare Enrollment Periods

The Medicare enrollment periods are complicated. But it's important to stay informed and up-to-date on the enrollment periods to avoid penalties or coverage gaps.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What are the Different Medicare Enrollment Periods?

Medicare

is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

If you’re eligible for Medicare, there are several enrollment periods when you can

sign up for Medicare

coverage or make changes to your existing coverage.

The six different Medicare enrollment periods include the following:

  1. Initial Enrollment Period

  2. General Enrollment Period

  3. Annual Enrollment Period

  4. Open Enrollment Period

  5. Medigap Open Enrollment Period

  6. Special Enrollment Period

Visual asset.

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Let's look at each of the enrollment periods.

1. Initial Enrollment Period

If you're about to turn 65 and are newly eligible for Medicare, this is your gateway to start receiving your Medicare benefits. If you have a disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or

ALS

(also called Lou Gehrig’s disease), you may be eligible for Medicare even before you turn 65.

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window that enables you to enroll in Medicare if you're about to turn 65, still working, and not yet getting social security or railroad benefits.

If you're already receiving social security or railroad benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

The IEP depends on your date of birth

  • If your birthday falls on the first of the month, it begins 4 months before your birth month and extends until 2 months after your birth month; otherwise...

  • It begins 3 months before your birth month and extends until 3 months after your birth month

For example, if your birthday falls in February, your IEP starts in November and ends in May. But if your birthday is on the 1st of February, your IEP begins in October and ends in April.

During your IEP, you can:

  • Enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

  • Enroll in Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug plan)

  • Enroll in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan)

Failing to enroll during this 7-month Initial Enrollment Period may result in a monthly late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. In addition, you may incur a Part A penalty if you have to pay a Part A premium.

Visual asset.

Initial Enrollment Period

2. General Enrollment Period

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1st to March 31st and is the time you can enroll in Medicare Part A and B if:

  • You missed enrolling in Medicare during your IEP

  • You don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

If you're enrolling in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage will begin the following month after you sign-up (Starting January 1, 2023).

You may incur late penalties for the duration of your enrollment in Medicare if you don't enroll in time. So, in addition to paying your regular premiums for Part B (and Part A, if applicable), you'll also have to pay a late penalty as long as you remain enrolled in Medicare.

3. Annual Enrollment Period

If you're unhappy with your current plan, you can change your existing Medicare coverage during the

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

. The AEP extends from October 15th until December 7th.

During this period, you can:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan — or vice versa

  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan

  • Switch from Medicare Advantage Plan to Medigap Plan

  • Switch from one Prescription Drug Plan to another

  • Enroll in Medicare Part D

  • Unenroll from a Prescription Drug Plan

If you switch your existing plan or enroll in a new plan during the AEP, your coverage will begin on January 1st.

If you're happy with your current plan, your plan will automatically renew on January 1st.

As a Fair Square Medicare client, you can rest assured that we will review your coverage and costs yearly during AEP to ensure you're not paying too much.

4. Open Enrollment Period

If you're currently enrolled in a

Medicare Advantage Plan

but are unhappy with its coverage, Medicare offers a one-time opportunity to switch your plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This period runs from January 1st until March 31st.

During the OEP, you can:

  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another (with or without drug coverage)

  • Unenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare

  • Enroll in a prescription drug or Medicare Part D plan if you're returning to Original Medicare

But, during this period, you can't:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan

  • Join a Medicare drug plan if you're in Original Medicare

  • Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another if you're in Original Medicare

If you make any changes to your Medicare coverage during the OEP, the new benefits will begin the following month.

Note: If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your IEP, you can

switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan

(with or without drug coverage) or return to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare.

Visual asset.

General, Open and Annual Enrollment Periods

5. Medigap Open Enrollment Period

If you plan to supplement your Original Medicare coverage with a Supplemental Plan or a

Medigap Plan

, the best time to do this is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month window that starts from the month you turn 65 and have Medicare Part B and ends 5 months after your birth month. For example, if your 65th birthday falls in February, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins in February and extends until July.

During the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you'll typically get better pricing and a wider choice of Medigap plans, regardless of your health status. You can purchase any plan offered in your state without undergoing medical underwriting.

Note: if you choose to enroll in a Medigap plan outside your Medigap Open enrollment period, insurance companies may use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application (and how much to charge you for the plan) unless you have

guaranteed issue rights

.

Visual asset.

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

6. Special Enrollment Period

Medicare beneficiaries may be able to make changes to their existing Medicare health and drug coverage outside the regular enrollment periods if they qualify for the

Special Enrollment Period.

You're eligible for the Special Enrollment Period if:

  • You move to a different location

  • You lose your current coverage

  • You have a chance to get other coverage

  • Your plan changes its contract with Medicare

  • The state you live in grants SEPs

During the Special Enrollment Period, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Prescription Drug Plan.

Medicare Enrollment Periods Are Complicated

Understanding different Medicare enrollment periods helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage, so you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered. Taking advantage of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period allows you to choose any plan, even if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Failure to enroll in Original Medicare or a prescription drug plan at the right time can result in unnecessary penalties.

Fair Square Medicare

is here to help. Call us at 1-888-376-2028 if you have any additional questions about Medicare enrollment periods. Our experienced health insurance advisors have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions by selecting the right plan for their needs and budget.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Cover image

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Feb 1, 2024

Cover image

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

May 25, 2020

Rattlesnake biting on a hiker's boot stock image

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Dec 6, 2022

Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2023

All Book Retention Data

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Mar 4, 2025

Sleep apena stock image

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 27, 2022

Medigap stock image

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nov 18, 2022

Medicare Part A & Part B stock photo

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

Nov 18, 2022

Cover image

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

Jun 28, 2023

Close up of a senior clutching their right wrist in pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Nov 23, 2022

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Dec 15, 2022

senior man with his glasses in his hand working in front of his laptop stock photo

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Sep 19, 2022

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Dec 5, 2022

Cover image

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Jan 18, 2024

The feet of a person suffering from foot pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Nov 29, 2022

a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Feb 24, 2023

Saving money against a stopwatch stock image

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

Dec 21, 2022

Senior woman receiving an ear exam stock photo

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Nov 22, 2022

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is Plan J?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50