Have you enrolled in Medicare? If the answer is Yes, then you are you ready to explore your Medicare enrollment options. Discover the 5 enrollment periods available to you and make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find the perfect Medicare plan for your needs. Let us guide you through the process and ensure you have the coverage you deserve.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Medicare has 5 main enrollment periods:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is from October 15th through December 7th where anyone can make changes to their Medicare plan. Some options to consider when in AEP.
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from January 1st through March 31st where anyone with Medicare Advantage plans can make changes.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is when most people first become eligible for Medicare, typically at age 65. During your IEP, you can sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) without any penalties. You can check your specific enrollment date based on your birthdate by visiting Social Security to sign up.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP) is from January 1st through March 31st where anyone who missed their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) can enroll in a plan, except if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Drug plan you must wait until April 1st through June 30th to enroll. Coverage begins the month after you sign up. Please be advised that there could be a lifelong penalty for late enrollment in a Medicare Drug plan (PDP).
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you’re already covered by an employer group health plan when you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare during this period without penalties. You have the following options:
- Sign up while still working and covered by the group health plan.
- Within 8 months of the day you or your spouse stop working, even if the group health plan continues.
- Within 8 months of the group health plan ending while you or your spouse continue to work. Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.
Remember, there are also special situations that may qualify you for additional enrollment periods. If you have any questions, contact Ralph 602-390-8573