Medicare Advantage Enrollment Dates

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Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period:
October 15 - December 7

Who can use it: Everyone with Medicare
Scope: Most comprehensive enrollment period with all Medicare plan options available
Changes allowed: All Medicare changes (Medicare Advantage enrollment, plan switching, returning to Original Medicare, Part D changes)

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period:
January 1 - March 31

Who can use it: Only people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans
Scope: Limited to Medicare Advantage changes only
Changes allowed: Switch MA plans or drop MA to return to Original Medicare (you can add Part D at this time if needed)

Main Distinction:

Annual Enrollment = Everyone can make any Medicare change
MA Open Enrollment Period = Only current MA members can make MA-related changes

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Important note: You cannot use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) to join or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. You must have previously enrolled during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

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If you missed the Initial and Annual Enrollment Periods, you’ll need to wait for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to sign up.

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Initial Enrollment Period:
3 months before the month you turn 65, and 3 months after (7-month window)

For people becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time
Can enroll in Medicare Advantage during this period
Coverage typically starts on the first day of the month you turn 65

Special Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
(varies by circumstance)

Triggered by qualifying life events such as:

Moving to a new area
Losing other health coverage
Moving into/out of a nursing home
Qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibility)
Your plan to leave Medicare or stop service in your area

Usually allows approximately 2 months to make changes.

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Plan Information Release:
October 1

Health insurers released details on their government-backed health insurance plans on October 1
Medicare Advantage plans for the following year become available for review
The plan materials and costs are published as well

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Dates

Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 - December 7

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 - March 31

Initial Enrollment Period: 3 months before the month you turn 65, and 3 months after (7-month window)

Special Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods (varies by circumstance)

Plan Information Release: October 1

Have more questions?

Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period:
October 15 - December 7

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period:
January 1 - March 31

Initial Enrollment Period:
3 months before the month you turn 65, and 3 months after (7-month window)

Special Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
(varies by circumstance)

Plan Information Release:
October 1