Medicare has more than one enrollment window. Knowing which one applies to you avoids penalties and missed opportunities.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7 every year, for switching plans.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): Jan 1 – Mar 31, one switch allowed if already in Advantage.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): triggered by qualifying life events (move, loss of coverage, etc.).
Most enrollment confusion comes from mixing up windows. AEP is the big one — it's when most people review and switch plans for the next year. SEPs are powerful too, but they have specific triggers and timelines.
If you're outside any active window and don't have a SEP, you may need to wait. We'll help you check before you assume one way or the other.
Want to talk this through?
30 minutes, on your schedule. No pressure to enroll.
Schedule a Medicare ReviewThis article is for general education and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Plan availability varies by location and carrier.