7 months around your 65th birthday
Initial Enrollment Period
Sign up for Parts A and B, and join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the first time.
Enroll in the first 3 months so coverage starts on your birthday month.
Use the IEP calculatorWhen you can join, switch or drop a plan
Medicare runs on a calendar. Miss a window and you may wait a year or pay a penalty, so here is every date in one place.
The Medicare year at a glance
The windows that repeat every year. Your Initial and Medigap Open Enrollment periods depend on your own birthday.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Swipe to see the full year
Enrollment periods explained
October 15 to December 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Move between Original Medicare and Advantage.
Changes take effect January 1. Read your Annual Notice of Change first.
Read the AEP game planJanuary 1 to March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you are in an Advantage plan, make one switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
Only for people already in Medicare Advantage.
About Medicare AdvantageJanuary 1 to March 31
General Enrollment Period
Sign up for Part A or Part B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Coverage starts the month after you sign up. Late penalties may apply.
About Original MedicareTriggered by life events
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or a plan leaving your area can open a window.
Most SEPs last 2 months. Leaving employer coverage gives you 8 months for Part B.
Ask if you qualify6 months from your Part B start
Medigap Open Enrollment
Buy any Medigap plan sold in Arizona with no health questions and no higher price for health conditions.
After this window, insurers can use medical underwriting.
About MedigapNot sure which window you're in?
Tell us what changed and we will confirm your dates and options, free.
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