Navigating Medicare enrollment can be complex, but understanding the key periods and deadlines is crucial to ensuring you have the coverage you need without incurring penalties. In 2025, several enrollment periods offer opportunities to sign up for or make changes to your Medicare plans. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay informed and prepared.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and extends three months after. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan(Part C)
- Enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
It’s advisable to enroll early in your IEP to avoid any delays in coverage.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you missed your IEP, the General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. During this period, you can enroll in Part A and/or Part B. However, coverage won’t begin until July 1, and you may face late enrollment penalties.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period occurs from October 15 to December 7 annually. During AEP, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
- Change from one Medicare Advantage planto another
- Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Any changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
From January 1 to March 31, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
- Enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan if returning to Original Medicare.
Note that you can only make one change during this period, and it only applies to those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Special Enrollment Periods allow you to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment periods due to specific life events, such as:
- Moving to a new address
- Losing current coverage
- Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
- Other exceptional circumstances
The timing and duration of SEPs vary based on the qualifying event.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
If you’re considering a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without medical underwriting.
Key Takeaways
- IEP: Seven-month window around your 65th birthday.
- GEP: January 1 – March 31; coverage starts July 1
- AEP: October 15 – December 7; changes effective January 1
- MA OEP: January 1 – March 31; one-time change for Medicare Advantage enrollees
- SEPs: Triggered by specific life events; timing varies
- Medigap OEP: Six months starting when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B
Recommended Read: 4 Key Changes to Medicare in 2025
Your Trusted Partner in Medicare Enrollment
At Medicare4USA, we understand that navigating Medicare enrollment periods can be overwhelming. With over 28 years of experience, we’re here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or considering changes to your existing coverage, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. We specialize in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, and more.
Contact us today to ensure you make informed decisions and secure the coverage that’s right for you.