Medicare Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Who: People turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare
What: Enroll in Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Part D
When: 3 months before and 3 months after your 65th birthday month
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
Who: Those who missed IEP and don’t qualify for a SEP
What: Enroll in Part A and Part B
When: January 1 – March 31 each year
Annual Election Period (AEP)
Who: People already enrolled in Medicare
What: Change, enroll in, or disenroll from Medicare Advantage or Part D
When: October 15 – December 7 each year
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MAOEP)
Who: People with a Medicare Advantage plan
What: Switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare
When: January 1 – March 31 each year
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Who: People with a qualifying life event
What: Enroll or make changes outside standard enrollment periods
When: 8 months for Part A & B, 2 months for Advantage & Part D
Medigap Open Enrollment Period (MOEP)
Who: People newly enrolled in Part B
What: Enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting
When: 6 months from your Part B effective date