Initial Enrollment for Part A and Part B
Your seven-month window generally begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months afterward.
Know your window
Medicare enrollment periods.
The right time to enroll depends on your age, current coverage, and recent life changes. This is a general summary of common windows, not an exhaustive list.
General Enrollment for Part B and premium-Part A
If you did not sign up for Part B or premium-Part A when first eligible and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
Special Enrollment for Part A and Part B
Certain situations—such as having qualifying employer group health coverage—may allow you to sign up for Part A and/or Part B outside the usual periods. The rules and timing depend on your circumstances.
Medicare Open Enrollment
From October 15 through December 7 each year, people can review and change Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
From January 1 through March 31, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make certain plan changes or return to Original Medicare.
Health and drug plan Special Enrollment
Moving, losing qualifying coverage, or another eligible event may allow you to join, switch, or leave a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan outside the standard plan enrollment windows.
For official timing and rules, review Medicare’s resources for Part A and Part B sign-up and joining or changing a health or drug plan.
Timing matters
Speak with an agentQuestions about your enrollment timing?