When do I have to enroll in Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

You need to enroll in Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plans during the following enrollment periods:

Initial Enrollment periods are a 7-month period. 3 months before your birthday month and 3 months after your birthday month. Medicare Parts A and B enrollment periods after the initial enrollment period for those who choose not to sign up for Part B (or Part A if they must purchase it) when they become eligible may do so between January 1 and March 31 of each year.

Please understand that if you enroll 3 months before your birthday month, you won't have coverage until the 1st day of your birthday month.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The Annual Enrollment Period takes place from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan, or switch from one Prescription Drug plan to another.

Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): From January 1 to March 31 each year, there is a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. During this period, individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make certain changes. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare, or join a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (if you are switching from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't include drug coverage).

Beginning on or after January 1, 2023, coverage kicks off on the first of the month after the beneficiary enrolls, anytime while they are covered by the group health plan, or during a Special Enrollment Period that takes place during the 8-month period following the end of the group health plan.

People who have group health plan coverage based on their current employment or the employment of a spouse can enroll in Part A or Part B.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Special Enrollment Periods are available for certain qualifying circumstances. Some common examples include:

• Moving out of your plan's service area.
• Losing employer or union coverage.
• Qualifying for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for prescription drug costs
• Being eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
• Having a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan available in your area
• During a Special Enrollment Period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of the standard enrollment period.

MedHelpCenter.us recommends that you call the Senior Health Insurance Agency at 813-592-8568 for further help and explanation.