Medicare Facts and Enrollment Periods

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, and for certain younger individuals with disabilities. Private insurance companies also work with Medicare to offer additional coverage options.

This page provides general information only. For complete details on Medicare programs, plan options, and enrollment rules, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medicare Basics

• Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies with a Medicare contract.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) help cover prescription medications and are available through private companies approved by Medicare.
• Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policies may help pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Enrollment Periods

There are specific times each year when you may enroll in Medicare or make changes to your coverage:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year, when you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31 each year, limited to certain changes if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Available in certain situations, such as moving to a new service area or losing other coverage.

For complete and official Medicare information, including plan details and enrollment rules, please visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.