Medicare Enrollment Dates & Guidelines

September & October — Review & Compare Plans

• Review plan notices for any upcoming changes.
• Download Medicare & You 2025 for detailed information.
• Use Medicare’s online tools in October to compare plans and find the best fit for your needs.
  
  

October 15 – December 7 — Open Enrollment Period

This is the only time of year when all Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for the upcoming year. You can:
✅ Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
✅ Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
✅ Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
✅ Join or switch a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
✅ Drop Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

January 1 — New Coverage Begins

• If you changed plans during Open Enrollment, your new coverage takes effect.
• If you kept your existing plan, any updates to coverage, benefits, or costs will start.
  
  

January 1 – March 31 — Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO), you can switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare (and enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan) once during this time.
• Any changes made will take effect on the first day of the following month.
  
  

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Enrollment

• The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—a six-month period starting on the first day of the month you turn 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
• Some states may offer additional Open Enrollment Periods.
• If you delay enrolling in Part B due to group health coverage, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period won’t begin until you sign up for Part B.
• After this period, Medigap plans may be more expensive or unavailable.
  
  

Need Help with Enrollment?

We're here to assist you! Call us with any questions about Medicare enrollment.

📌 Information sourced from www.medicare.gov and Medicare & You.

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