Medicare has a variety of benefits and insurance plans associated with it. Knowing when you can enroll can be a bit confusing. Below is a quick guide that covers the major enrollment periods for Medicare-related programs and plans:
Medicare Part A and Part B
An individual may enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when he or she is within 3 months of his or her 65th birthday
Certain qualifying medical conditions, such as End Stage Renal Disease, or disabilities qualifies an individual to enroll in Part A and Part B before age 65
If you are age 65 and currently receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (you have option of declining Part B coverage)
Medicare Part B requires payment of a monthly premium
If you are within 3 months of age 65 (or older) but are not currently receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits you may visit your local social security office and request to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
When you first become eligible for Medicare Part A, there is a seven-month initial enrollment period in which to sign up for Part B
If you do not enroll in Part B during your initial enrollment period, there is a “general enrollment period” each year for you from January 1 through March 31
Medicare Advantage
In order to enroll in Medicare Part C, otherwise known as Medicare Advantage, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for a Medicare Advantage plan is November 15th through December 31st of each year
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) allows Medicare beneficiaries with one opportunity to enroll in Medicare Advantage plan, dis-enroll from one, or change a Medicare Advantage enrollment from one plan to another plan. The Open Enrollment Period begins January 1 and ends March 31 each year
There are special enrollment periods for people with exceptional circumstances such as moving into a region where your existing Medicare Advantage plan does not provide services
Prescription Drug Plan
In order to enroll in Medicare Part D, otherwise known as a Medicare prescription drug plan, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for a Medicare prescription drug plan, is November 15th through December 31st of each year
There are special enrollment periods for people with exceptional circumstances such as moving into a region where your existing Medicare Advantage plan does not provide services
Medicare Health Plan
