What are the specific periods I can submit applications for Medicare Plans?

There multiple periods where a Medicare beneficiary can enroll into a Medicare Plan.

Initial Medicare Enrollment Period: Most people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) during this period. It starts 3 months before the beneficiary turn 65 and ends 3 months after he/she turn 65. Beneficiaries may choose to enroll in Medicare Plans as well as Medicare Supplement plans offered by provide insurance carriers.

Annual Enrollment Period: Established by CMS annually from October 15^th through December 7^th. During this period a beneficiary may Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, sign up for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan, switch from one stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan to another, drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare and/or drop your stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Established by CMS annually from January 31^st through March 31^st of each year. During this period beneficiaries may change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, disenroll from his/her Medicare Advantage plan, pick up a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Beneficiaries can only do this during this period if he/she has disenrolled from a Medicare Advantage plan.

Special Election Periods: SEPs vary by individual circumstances but if qualified, a beneficiary can generally sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Medicare PDP. Exactly when this period starts and how long it lasts depends on the individual’s situation. Contact CMS or the plan for additional information regarding the beneficiaries individual circumstance.