1-800-380-6821 | English & Spanish
WhatsApp Schedule Free Consultation →
EN ES

Medicare Enrollment Periods 2026 —
Know When You Can Sign Up.

Missing the right enrollment window can mean late penalties that last a lifetime. Here's every Medicare enrollment period — when it opens, what you can do, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

🧮 FREE TOOL

Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator

See how much a delayed enrollment could cost you — before it's too late.

Medicare Late Penalty Estimator
Enter how many months you delayed enrollment to see your estimated penalty.

Every Medicare enrollment period explained

There are six enrollment windows for Medicare. Which one applies to you depends on your situation.

Find your exact enrollment window: Use our free enrollment calculator to see exactly when you can enroll based on your birthday or coverage end date.

IEP
Initial Enrollment Period
Initial Enrollment Period — Turning 65
7-month window around your 65th birthday

This is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It's a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. This is the most important window — missing it can result in permanent late enrollment penalties.

Enroll 3 months before your birthday for coverage starting on your birthday month
Enrolling in months 1–3 = Part B starts the first of your birthday month
Enrolling in month 5, 6, or 7 = coverage delayed 2–3 months
Best time: enroll 3 months early to avoid any delay
AEP
Annual Enrollment Period
Annual Enrollment Period — Switch Plans Every Year
October 15 – December 7 each year

The main annual window when all Medicare beneficiaries can make plan changes. Changes take effect January 1. This is the time to review your plan, compare alternatives, and switch if a better option is available — which it often is, since plans change benefits and premiums every year.

Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan
OEP
Open Enrollment Period
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31 each year

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the OEP gives you one more chance to make a change in the new year. This is a limited window — only available to those already on a Medicare Advantage plan.

Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
Add, change, or drop Part D (if switching to Original Medicare)
Cannot switch from Original Medicare to Advantage during OEP
SEP
Special Enrollment Period
Special Enrollment Period — Life Events
Triggered by a qualifying life event

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to enroll in or change Medicare plans outside of normal enrollment windows when a qualifying life event occurs. The length of the SEP varies by the event — most are 60 days from the triggering event.

Lost employer or union coverage
Moved out of your plan's service area
Your Medicare plan left the area or terminated
Gained or lost Medicaid eligibility (dual-eligible changes)
Other qualifying circumstances — call us to confirm
GEP
General Enrollment Period
General Enrollment Period — If You Missed IEP
January 1 – March 31 each year · Coverage starts July 1

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying exception, the General Enrollment Period is your annual chance to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. Coverage begins July 1 — and you may owe late enrollment penalties.

Sign up for Part A and/or Part B if you missed IEP
Coverage begins July 1 — 3–6 month delay from enrollment
Part B penalty: +10% per year of delayed enrollment (permanent)
Avoid this window — enroll during IEP or a qualifying SEP
ICEP
Initial Coverage Election Period
Initial Coverage Election Period — First Medicare Advantage
When you first become eligible for Medicare

When you first become eligible for Medicare (usually at 65), you have an Initial Coverage Election Period to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D drug plan. This runs concurrently with your IEP and ends 3 months after you first have both Part A and Part B.

Enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time
Choose a Part D drug plan
Runs alongside your IEP — act early for seamless coverage
Late enrollment penalties are permanent — don't risk them

Part B: +10% added to your premium for each 12-month period you delayed. Part D: +1% per month of delay. Both penalties last as long as you have Medicare. Missing your window by even a few months can cost you thousands over a lifetime. Learn about penalties →

Common Special Enrollment Period triggers

These life events open a Special Enrollment Period — usually a 60-day window from the date of the event.

💼
Lost employer coverage
You or your spouse stopped working or lost employer health insurance
🏠
Moved out of service area
You permanently moved to an area not covered by your Medicare Advantage plan
📋
Plan terminated or left area
Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan was discontinued (like AvMed in 2026)
⭐
Plan dropped below 3 stars
Your Medicare Advantage plan's CMS Star Rating fell below 3 stars for the year
💵
Gained or lost Medicaid
Changes in Medicaid eligibility or dual-eligible status trigger an SEP
🏥
Released from care facility
You were discharged from a skilled nursing facility or hospital
🌍
Returned from abroad
You returned to the U.S. after living outside the country
⚠️
FEMA disaster declaration
You were affected by a federally declared disaster or emergency
Not sure if you qualify for an SEP?

SEP rules can be complex. Call us or WhatsApp us — our brokers will review your situation and tell you exactly what windows are available to you, at no cost. 1-800-380-6821

Turning 65 or ready to enroll?

Our licensed bilingual brokers will walk you through the enrollment process, help you avoid penalties, and find the right plan for your situation. Free.

Compare Plans Free WhatsApp 1-800-380-6821