What Is Medicare Open Enrollment and When Does It Run?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D drug plans, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I sign up for Medicare for the first time during Open Enrollment?
- No. Open Enrollment is for people who already have Medicare. First-time enrollment happens during your IEP, SEP, or GEP.
- When do Open Enrollment changes take effect?
- Changes made during Open Enrollment take effect on January 1 of the following year.
- What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
- From January 1 to March 31, people enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.