There are certain periods when you can join, change or drop the different parts of Medicare.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - The IEP for Parts A and B is 7 months, starting three months before the month you turn 65 or three months after your birth month.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP) - People who did not enroll in Part A or B during their IEP, or terminated their Part A or Part B benefits and want to re-enroll, may enroll in either or both Parts during the GEP, which is January 1 to March 31 of each year. If you enroll during the GEP, your benefits will begin the following July 1.
- Annual Election Period (AEP) - The AEP is October 15 to December 7 of every year. During this time frame, people can join, change or drop an Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the month after you enroll.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - The SEP for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may be available depending on the situation.
- Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) - The MADP runs between January 1 and February 14 of each year and allows beneficiaries to disenroll from their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. You cannot switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or enroll in an Medicare Advantage plan during the MADP.
Note, if you don’t sign up for the Parts of Medicare by the deadlines, you could penalized.