Medicare Enrollment Center

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window to sign up for Part A, Part B, or Medicare Advantage when turning 65 years of age. Seven months include; three (3) months before your birth month, your birth month (1), and three months after to enroll without penalty. If you miss your IEP, you can enroll during the General Medicare Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), and your coverage will start July 1.

After the Initial Enrollment Period ends, Special Enrollment may be reserved for seniors (or spouses) still working under a group health plan (not COBRA). An eight (8) month special period is available without penalty once employment stops.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a yearly event between October 15th through December 7th giving Medicare beneficiaries the option to change their Medicare plan. Some changes may include moving to or from Original Medicare and Advantage, Part D drug plans, or Advantage Plans. Generally, carriers release health plan changes in September for the upcoming year. Also, look for your Annual Notice of Change letter for upcoming details.

There is some confusion around OEP. Many people use this term to refer to the Annual Fall Enrollment Period (AEP). However, OEP can also refer to Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment. Both are important to understand. See below.

An opportunity to enroll in a Medigap Plan (Medicare Supplement) which begins the first day of the month your Medicare Part B is in effect. For example: If Part B begins 5/1 the window closes on 10/31 (six months).

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is an annual opportunity between January 1st and March 31st for seniors to change their Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare.