Preparing to Enroll
When You Can Enroll
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sets certain times during the year when you can enroll for Medicare coverage or switch plans. It’s essential to know when these periods are because most people can’t enroll at any other time.
October 15 - December 7 (The Annual Enrollment Period)
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called the Annual Election Period, begins October 15 and ends December 7 in 2011.
- During this time you can enroll in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, a standalone Part D drug plan or you can switch plans.
- This is generally the only time these plans can accept new members. (You can’t enroll at any other time unless you’re in the initial enrollment period or you meet special exceptions described below).
- If you enroll during this period, your coverage begins on January 1.
January 1 – February 14 of 2012 is the Annual Disenrollment Period. During this time, you can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. If your plan includes drug coverage, you can leave your plan and go back to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. You can’t make any other plan changes.
Your 65th Birthday (Initial Coverage Election Period)
There is a seven-month period, called the Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP), around when you turn age 65 that you can enroll in Medicare.
- This period begins three months before you turn age 65, includes the month you turn age 65 and continues for three months after you turn age 65.
- During this time you can enroll in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement plan or a standalone Part D drug plan.
| If you enroll... | Your coverage begins... |
|---|---|
| 1-3 months before the month you turn age 65 | The first day of the month you turn age 65 |
| The month you turn age 65 | The first day of the following month |
| 1-3 months after the month you turn age 65 | The first day of the following month |
Special Exceptions (Special Election Period)
Here are some other times you can enroll in Medicare or make changes to your plan.
- When you change your permanent address
- When the contract between CMS and a Medicare Advantage plan ends
- When a Medicare Advantage plan lets a member know it will discontinue a plan
Please contact Health Alliance Medicare Services for additional circumstances that would qualify for a Special Election Period.
Note:
The dates and periods described on this page don’t apply to Medicare Supplement plans.