Find the Enrollment Period That Applies to You

You can join or change a Medicare health or drug plan during specific enrollment periods. The right period depends on your Medicare eligibility, current coverage, and circumstances.

• Initial enrollment: an opportunity around the time you first become eligible for Medicare.
• Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 through December 7, with changes generally effective January 1.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 through March 31 for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage; permitted changes are limited.
• Special Enrollment Periods: certain events, such as moving or losing qualifying coverage, may create another opportunity.

Use Medicare’s official joining a plan guide to check eligibility, deadlines, and the changes allowed in each period.

Prepare Before Choosing a Plan

Gather your Medicare information, current coverage documents, provider list, prescriptions, and preferred pharmacies. Compare both the benefits and the costs you could pay when you use care.

Confirm the Next Steps

Ask when the new coverage starts, whether it affects any existing insurance, and what confirmation you should receive. Keep copies of your application and plan communications, and check that the enrollment was processed.

For a conversation about available options, request a plan review or call 908-603-7500.