Medicare enrollment periods at a glance
| Enrollment period | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | 7 months: 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and 3 months after | Sign up for Part A and Part B, and join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. |
| Medicare Open Enrollment (AEP) | October 15 to December 7 each year | Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Coverage starts January 1. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 to March 31 each year (or your first 3 months with Medicare) | If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, make one change: switch plans or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. |
| General Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31 each year | Sign up for Part A or Part B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period. Penalties may apply. |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | Varies by situation | Change plans after certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid. |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months starting the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B | Buy any Medigap plan sold in your state without health questions or higher prices because of your health. |
2026 Open Enrollment: what to do now
- Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change for 2027.
- Make a current list of your doctors, prescriptions, and pharmacy.
- Compare your plan with the 2027 plans available in your county.
- Make any change by December 7, 2026, so coverage starts January 1, 2027.
Kesha offers annual Medicare plan reviews by phone, online, and in person, and you can find her at Kroger in Granbury and Walgreens in Benbrook through early December.
Turning 65 soon?
Start planning 3 to 6 months before your birthday month. The turning 65 guide explains Parts A, B, C, and D and the steps to enroll on time.
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage?
Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. The plan must receive your request by December 7, and new coverage starts January 1, 2027.
What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31, and you could pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B or Part D. Some people with employer coverage qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans during Open Enrollment?
The October 15 to December 7 period applies to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. You can apply for a different Medigap plan at other times, but you may need to answer health questions.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
From January 1 to March 31, people already in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once.
