Initial Enrollment
Initial Enrollment Period
If you want to change your plan, enroll in a new plan, or are losing coverage, you have to make changes to Medicare during one of its enrollment periods. Medicare has different enrollment periods for different people. One of those is the Initial Enrollment Period. Take a look below to understand how the Initial Enrollment Period works.
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How an Initial Enrollment Period Works
The Initial Enrollment Period is for people who are newly eligible for Medicare at age 65. The actual timing of the enrollment period depends on your birthday. The initial enrollment period is a 7 month window that starts 3 months before your birthday month, continues through your birthday month, and then includes the 3 months after your birthday month. For example, if you were born in July, your Initial Enrollment Period would be from April 1st to October 31st. During this time, you are able to enroll in Medicare for the first time, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Part D.
All Enrollment Periods
Medicare has a number of enrollment periods. Getting all of these different periods straight can be hard. Take a look at our list below for a quick reminder on which enrollment period is when and for whom.
Initial Enrollment Period
- For: People newly eligible for Medicare at 65
- Time: A 7 month window – 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and then the 3 months after your birthday month
Special Enrollment Period
- For: People moving out of their plan’s service area or losing coverage because their plan no longer covers them
- Time: A 2-3 month window surrounding the loss of coverage
General Enrollment Period
- For: People who missed the Initial Enrollment, this is the only other time they are allowed to enroll in Medicare
- Time: January 1 – March 31st
Annual Enrollment Period
- For: People who need to change coverage and are already enrolled in Medicare
- Time: October 15 – December 7
Medicare Advantage/Open Enrollment Period:
- For: People who want to change Medicare Advantage plans, either to enroll or disenroll
- Time: January 1 – March 31
At Medicare With Jake, we can help you make sense of all of the different Medicare enrollment periods. Based in the greater Wichita, Kansas area, we can help you find a plan that meets your needs. Call us to get started today!
