If you’re looking to enroll in Medicare, understand your specific enrollment periods and avoid missing your deadline and possibly a penalty.
Initial Enrollment
For those who are turning 65 a 7-month period of time to enroll is called the Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins three months prior to your 65th birthday and ends three months after you turn 65.
General Enrollment
For those who miss the Initial Enrollment, there is a General Enrollment, which extends from January 1st through March 31st each year. Enrollment begins on January 1st for coverage that begins on July 1st.
Open Enrollment
Changes can be made during open enrollment to change from a Part C to a Medicare plus or switch from one Part D plan to another. This period is from January 1st to March 31st. Plan changes take effect the month after it is submitted.
Annual Enrollment
Medicare realizes that sometimes people want to make changes. Annual Enrollment is available from October 15th through December 7th.
Special Enrollment
Special Enrollment is available for people to enroll who are undergoing special life events or circumstances that make it difficult during designated periods.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b.html
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-how-to-sign-up-for-part-a-and-part-b.html
MUC10-2016-SSI/CDIS
