Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained Simple
Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7 each year
This is the main enrollment period each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their coverage for the following year. During this period, you can join, switch, or leave a Medicare Advantage plan, change your prescription drug plan, or return to Original Medicare. Any changes you make will usually begin January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
January 1 – March 31 each year
This enrollment period is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this time, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or leave your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare with or without a Part D drug plan. This gives members an opportunity to make a correction if they are unhappy with the plan they selected during Annual Open Enrollment.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Available only when certain life events happen
A Special Enrollment Period is a special time outside of normal enrollment periods that allows you to make changes to your Medicare coverage due to specific life situations. Common examples include retiring and losing employer coverage, moving to a new area, qualifying for Medi-Cal/Medicaid, losing other insurance coverage, or becoming eligible for Extra Help. These situations allow you to enroll in or change plans without waiting for the next Open Enrollment period.
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