Medicare Advantage Enrollment Guide

Medicare Cost Plan Enrollment Period

The Medicare enrollment period cycle begins with the Annual Enrollment period (commonly know as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, AEP). This Medicare Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This period is then followed by the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period or MA OEP, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Outside of these two enrollment periods, there are other Medicare enrollment periods called Special Enrollment Period, which allows enrollment into a Medicare Advantage plan based on “special” circumstances. ​

​medicare cost plan enrollment period

Medicare AEP runs during the fourth quarter of the year from October 15 to December 7. During this period you can get into, change, switch or cancel your Medicare plan and coverage. Whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement plan or just Original Medicare, this is the timeframe for you to set your Medicare coverage exactly how you want it to be for the upcoming year without needing a special enrollment period. Actually, you can change your mind about which benefits or plans you want as many times during that period. The decision you make last by December 7, is the plan and benefits that will go into effect.

​

The last plan you enroll in will be effective as of January 1 of the upcoming year and you generally keep that plan until the next Annual enrollment period comes back around the following year. Of course, there are other enrollment periods coming up that gives you another chance to upgrade your benefits.

The Medicare enrollment cycle begins with the Annual Enrollment period (commonly know as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, AEP). This Medicare Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This period is then followed by the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period or MA OEP, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Outside of these two enrollment periods, there are other Medicare enrollment periods called Special Enrollment Period, which allows enrollment into a Medicare Advantage plan based on “special” circumstances. Continue reading to learn more.

medicare cost plan enrollment period

How Do I Sign Up For Medicare For The First Time?

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which runs from seven months before your 65th birthday, is when you can sign up and enroll in a Medicare:

  • three months before to your 65th birthday

  • your 65th birthday month

  • the third month following the month you turn 65.

You are enrolled in Parts A and B automatically if you began receiving Social Security benefits at least four months prior to turning 65. Prior to the time you turn 65, Social Security will mail you Medicare information and a Medicare card.

You might be able to put off Medicare Part A and Part B without paying a late enrollment fee if you have group health insurance from private insurance companies through your employer or your spouse’s employer.

Once you’ve applied for Original Medicare, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plan (Part D) from a commercial insurer during your IEP.

    Get In Touch

    Electronic Scope of Appointment

    Senior Healthcare Advisors offers Medicare Advantage plans, Supplement Insurance plans, and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug plan options.
    Agreeing to this does not affect your current or future Medicare enrollment status, nor will it obligate you to enroll or automatically enroll you in a plan. This scope of appointment is effective as of: and grants permission to discuss the above plan types, You may revoke consent to contact or scope of appointment at any time.

    Terms & Conditions

    Your information will be provided to a licensed insurance agent for future contact. You may be contacted by a licensed insurance agent. Providing your number(000.000.0000) and clicking “yes” is your electronic signature authorizing Senior Healthcare Advisors and its affiliates, agents, representatives, and service providers (collectively, “Senior Healthcare Advisors”) to send you marketing telephone calls, pre-recorded calls, text messages, and emails at the number and email address you provided using an ATDS or automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers. Your consent is not required as a condition of purchase. Not all plans offer all these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply. Currently, we represent(6) organizations that offer (81,602) products across [3,081] counties. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)to get information on all of your options. You also confirm that you are the subscriber to, or the customary user of, the telephone number and e-mail address you provided. You may unsubscribe at any time. Senior Healthcare Advisors, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency that sells Medicare products and operates as Senior Healthcare Advisors, owns Senior Healthcare, Advisors, LLC a non-government organization. Please note that Senior Healthcare Advisors is not affiliated with or connected with Medicare or any other government program or agency. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a special election or enrollment period or you are in your Medicare Initial Election Period. General Benefits: Not all plans offer all of these benefits; benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.