Signing up for Medicare must occur during specific timeframes, which vary based on the individual’s circumstances. Here are some of the most important enrollment periods to remember:

What is the Initial Enrollment Period?

The Initial Enrollment Period:

• Begins three months before you turn 65
• Ends three months after your birth month in that year
• It is the best time to join. You will avoid late fees
• Also has the benefit of possibly getting Medicare Plan A without having to pay monthly premiums for it

What is the General Enrollment Period?

The General Enrollment Period:

• Lasts from January 1 to March 31
• It allows anyone to join, regardless of how much time has passed since the Initial Enrollment Period. If someone joins past the Initial Enrollment Period, then late fees for Plans A and B will apply
• Puts the coverage in effect on July 1 of that year

What is the Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period:

• Lasts from October 15 to December 7
• Allows you to switch, drop, or make changes to your Medicare Plan (excluding Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans)
• This changes the coverage for the next year
• It allows you to see the changes your Medicare plans have made. These changes are shown in the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which you will receive in the mail by September 30. That notifies you how your plan may have made changes in coverage policy that will go into effect the next year. You’ll also receive Evidence of Coverage (EOC), which you will receive by October 15. It is important to review these.

Is there an enrollment period for special situations?

There is a Special Enrollment Period for special circumstances. These are times where you may find yourself moving out of your plan’s network. You might also need to join after you no longer receive health insurance coverage from your employer’s group health plan.

The time to join varies depending on the circumstances. Your options for what actions you can take are also factored in. The changes you can make will have to do with Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans for most of these cases. It is encouraged that you speak with your provider in these instances, as again, what you can do and the amount of time you can do it will vary case by case.

To illustrate, here are some examples of applicable situations and their respective enrollment windows, as well as your options:

Moving to a new residence outside of your network area:

• Options – Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or prescription drug plan
• Time – One month before you move, to a full two months after you move

Returning to the U.S. after living in a foreign country:

• Options – Join Medicare Advantage or a prescription drug plan
• Time – Two full months after the month you arrive in the U.S.

Having dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid:

• Options – Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan can be joined, switched, or dropped. Any change you make will take effect next month.
• Time – You can only make the change once, during these three periods: January to March; April to June; July to September. Special Enrollment here does not apply for the remaining three months of the year. 

Social Security benefits

Suppose you have Social Security benefits or have benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board. In that case, there is no need to wait for the right time to enroll. If this applies to you, you are automatically enrolled.

Automatic enrollment also applies to those under 65 who have been on disability for 24 months.

If you have any questions

We are here to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding Medicare and the various aspects of it. We won’t let any question go unanswered. We will address all concerns you have because at Sannes Insurance, we are dedicated to your needs. Call us now at (509) 993-9887 for more information.