Chapter 5 - Enrollment Periods

Once you are already on Medicare, the main election period is between October 15th and

December 7th. This is referred to as your Annual Election Period (AEP). During this time, is

when you can change your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Part D Drug Coverage.

When you are first turning 65, this is referred to as your Initial Election Period (IEP). This period begins 3 months prior to the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and

continues for 3 months after you turn 65. This period lasts a total of 7 months.

Medicare Supplements have no enrollment periods. This means you can sign up for one

whenever you would like. However, when you are turning 65 or within 6 months of your Part

B start date, you are in your “Guaranteed Issue” period. You will not have to answer any

health questions and your coverage is “guaranteed”.

Once this period expires, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement policy but you will have to answer health questions and go through medical underwriting. Medicare Open Enrollment (OEP): This enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31st, During this 3 month period, you can make 1 like plan change from one MAPD plan to another MAPD plan. There are other Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) that are available as well. You may be eligible for them if:

1. Just moved to a new area

2. Retiring and losing group health coverage

3. If you have a chronic condition

4. There are many other SEPs.