For inquiries about Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare coverage, or Medicare Part D, you can reach us at 978-413-4374.
When to Enroll in Medicare: Your Guide
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Annual Open Enrollment Period
When it happens: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
Who it’s for: Anyone who is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and/or B, including those who may already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. If you're wondering when to sign up for Medicare Advantage, this is the time to take action.
What you can do:
Change from original Medicare to a private Medicare Advantage plan
Change from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare
Join, drop, or switch Part D drug plans
Switch Medicare Advantage plans
*When coverage starts: Jan. 1
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Special Enrollment Periods
When it happens: Ongoing (SEPs exist for people to enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans)
Who it’s for: There are many SEPs for both Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. SEPs can apply to those who:
Lose active employee/spousal coverage (and didn’t sign up for original Medicare when first eligible)
Move out of a plan’s service area (for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans)
Enter or leave an institution (nursing home, jail)
Qualify for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help)
What you can do:
Move back to Medicare Part A and Part B
Change/enroll in a Part D plan
Change/enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
If you're wondering when to sign up for Medicare Advantage, note that specific rules and timing apply to SEPs based on a person’s individual circumstances. Learn more from Medicare.
When coverage starts: Varies; see Medicare link above for more details.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period (Continuous)
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
When it happens: Ongoing (six-month window after you enroll in Part B)
Who it’s for: People turning 65, newly eligible for Medicare, and enrolled in Parts A and B
What you can do: Purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting; learn more in our fact sheet: Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It's essential to know when to sign up for Medicare Advantage as well, to maximize your benefits.
When coverage starts: First day of the following month.
Annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
When it happens: Jan. 1 – March 31
Who it’s for: People already enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan as of Jan. 1 who wish to switch plans or leave their plan to get original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you're wondering when to sign up for Medicare Advantage, this is the designated period.
What you can do:
Switch Medicare Advantage plans
Disenroll from Medicare Advantage to go to original Medicare (you can also pick up a Part D drug plan)
When coverage starts: First day of the month following the month of enrollment (i.e., if you apply in January, coverage starts Feb. 1).
You are New to Medicare Part A and Part B (IEP)
Initial Enrollment Period
When it happens: Ongoing (the seven-month window around your 65th birthday, or for those under 65 and found to have a disability, generally the month after a 24-month “waiting period”)
Who it’s for: People newly eligible for Medicare, both those turning 65 and those under 65 who are found to have a disability by Social Security and have met their Medicare “waiting period” (i.e., received SSDI benefits for 2 years).
What you can do: Join Medicare Parts A and/or B, and also enroll in Part D. This period is also crucial for learning when to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans, which can supplement your coverage.
When coverage starts: No earlier than your month of Medicare eligibility; see the Medicare & You handbook for more information.
SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance
Some insurance companies may elect to sell Medigap (Supplemental) policies to individuals under age 65, even in states that do not require this policy. If you do not have prescription drug coverage from another source, it is important to enroll in a Medicare Part D (PDP) Plan. Alternatively, you can explore when to sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans offered by private insurance companies, which encompass your Medicare-covered benefits, including prescription drugs. These include options like HMOs or PPOs; however, keep in mind that access to providers may be more limited. Importantly, Medicare Advantage Plans cannot deny coverage to people with Medicare based on their health status or pre-existing conditions.
Click here for more information on SSDI.