Medicare Health Plan Dates and Deadlines
Medicare has multiple dates and deadlines that you must be aware of and adhere to. If you do not abide by these deadlines, you may be at risk of paying a penalty.
Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans
INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
(When You're Turning 65)
Timeframe: 7-month period
You have a 7-month window to sign up for a Medicare Advantage/
Prescription Drug Plan
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> 3 months before you turn 65
> The month you turn 65
> 3 months after you turn 65
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*Note- if you do not sign up for prescription drug coverage when you are first eligible, and you do not have creditable coverage from another source, you will be at risk for a Part D penalty.
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INITIAL COVERAGE
ENROLLMENT PERIOD
(Delayed Part B)
Timeframe: 3 months prior to Part B date
If you delayed your Medicare Part B due to coverage from an employer plan, your Part A & Part B dates will differ. You will be able to enroll into a Medicare Health Plan three months prior to your Part B effective date.
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Timeframe: October 15- December 7
You can:
> Switch to a Medicare health plan for coverage beginning January 1st of the following year.
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Changes include:
​> Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plan
> Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare
> Medicare Advantage Plan to Medicare Advantage Plan
> Prescription Drug Plan to Prescription Drug Plan
> And more...
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MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
Timeframe: January 1- March 31
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can:
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> Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
> Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare
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SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
Timeframe: Any time of year
You may qualify for a special enrollment period based on a number of different factors. Contact our office to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period.