When Is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024-2025?
Medicare open enrollment is between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 every year.
During Medicare open enrollment, you can change your Medicare coverage.
Depending on what type of plan you have, you can also make changes to your coverage at other times of the year.
If you already have Medicare
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Medicare open enrollment
(Oct. 15-Dec. 7) -
Medicare Advantage open enrollment
(Jan. 1-March 31)
If you're new to Medicare
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Medicare initial enrollment
(when you turn 65) -
Medicare general enrollment
(Jan. 1-March 31, with late fees)
Other Medicare enrollment periods
For people already on Medicare
If you're already on Medicare, you can make changes to your plan between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 each year.
And if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you get a second chance to change plans between Jan. 1 and March 31. You might be able to make changes to your Medicare coverage during other times of the year, if you qualify.
Medicare open enrollment
If you're already enrolled in Medicare and want to join, cancel or switch plans
When is the 2024 Medicare open enrollment period (OEP)?
Medicare open enrollment happens every fall between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7.
During this time, people who are already on Medicare can make changes to their coverage.
Any changes you make during the 2024 Medicare open enrollment period will change your 2025 Medicare plan starting on Jan. 1.
What can you do during Medicare open enrollment?
During the Medicare open enrollment period, sometimes called the Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP), you can change Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans.
You can change your coverage, switch between plan types and add prescription drug benefits.
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What new Medicare plans can you get for 2025?
Which plans are available and the cost of Medicare change each year. You should review your options every year and compare rates to make sure you're getting the best deal. If you want to keep the same coverage, you'll get a document, called your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), that will tell you how your current plan is changing.
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Does your coverage match your medical needs?
If your medical needs have changed, updating your policy can help you save money. When comparing plans, look at the total cost of health care and insurance. For example, if you think you might need medical care, like expensive treatments or surgery in the coming year, a Medicare Advantage plan with better coverage and higher rates might help lower your health care costs.
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Do you want to change Medicare plan types?
If you're unhappy with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you can switch between the two during open enrollment. Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular because policies often include benefits for prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing aids and more. But Medicare Advantage has its downsides, too. These plans limit you to using certain doctors. And some hospitals don't work with Medicare Advantage plans.
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Do you have good coverage for your prescription medications?
During Medicare open enrollment, you can switch to a policy that has better coverage for the medications you need. This can include changing companies to get access to different prescription drug brands or changing plans to improve your benefits.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch
When is the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period?
Medicare Advantage open enrollment is between Jan. 1 and March 31 each year.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment is just for people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. During this time, you get a second chance to change Medicare Advantage plans, switch back to Original Medicare or add a Part D drug plan.
The changes you make to your Medicare plan start on the first day of the month after the insurance company gets your request. For example, if a company gets your change request in mid-February, your new plan will begin on March 1.
What Medicare Advantage changes can you make?
During Medicare Advantage open enrollment, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, or you can change to an Original Medicare policy and add a Part D prescription drug plan.
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Did you miss fall Medicare open enrollment?
If you missed the Medicare sign-up period, the Medicare Advantage enrollment period in early 2025 is a chance to change your coverage for the rest of the year.
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Are you getting the best deal with your current Medicare Advantage plan?
Remember that Medicare Advantage plan options change each year. You might have a new company or plan in your area that is a better fit for you. It's a good idea to review your coverage once a year to make sure you're not overpaying.
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Do you need to adjust your coverage?
If your health or financial situation has changed, adjusting your Medicare plan can help you get the coverage that works best for you. You might be able to lower your monthly insurance bills with a $0 Medicare Advantage plan. Or if you have ongoing health problems, getting a plan with better coverage can help reduce your health care spending.
For people who are new to Medicare
You can sign up for Medicare starting three months before the month you turn 65, during your birth month, and during the three months after.
If you miss this window, you can still sign up, but you'll pay a higher rate. You can also sign up later without a penalty if you still had health insurance through your job when you turned 65.
When is the Medicare initial enrollment period?
If you're new to Medicare and want to enroll
You can sign up for Medicare during the seven-month period around your 65th birthday.
This is called your initial enrollment period (IEP). It starts three months before the month you turn 65. It includes the month of your birthday and then ends three months after your birthday month.
If you sign up before your birthday month, your Medicare coverage will start on the first of the month when you turn 65. If you sign up during your birthday month or the three months afterward, your coverage will start on the first of the month after you enroll.
Medicare Eligibility Calculator
Calculate your initial seven-month Medicare enrollment period by entering your date of birth.
Birth date
Your initial enrollment period based on your age is
Note that your enrollment period may differ if you currently have a disability or have certain medical conditions.
For example, if your birthday is June 18, your initial enrollment period will start in March and go through September.
If you sign up for Medicare in April, your coverage will start on June 1, the first day of your birth month. If you sign up in July, your coverage will start Aug. 1, the first day of the month after you signed up.
You should usually sign up for Medicare when you are first eligible so that you avoid a late-enrollment charge. This fee is not a one-time charge. It is part of your bill every month that you have Medicare.
And the longer you go without Medicare, the more you will pay. For example, if you delay Medicare Part B enrollment for one year, you could pay an extra $15 per month for as long as you have Medicare.
What can you do during initial enrollment?
During your Medicare initial enrollment period, you can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D.
When you turn 65, you'll also be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, but the enrollment dates are slightly different.
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Decide between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with Medigap
One of the most important steps is to decide if you want Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Medigap and Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is more like traditional insurance with a single policy from an insurance company. Alternatively, you can get Original Medicare (Parts A and B) directly through the government, and you have the option to supplement with a Medigap plan to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
There are many things to think about when deciding between these options. For example, a Medicare Advantage plan has a smaller network of health care providers, but Original Medicare can be used almost anywhere since most medical offices take it.
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Make sure you have prescription drug coverage
To make sure some of the cost of medications is covered, choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes coverage for prescription drugs. Or if you choose Original Medicare, it's important to add on a stand-alone prescription drug plan, called Medicare Part D.
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Request quotes to find the best deal
Medicare Advantage rates change from county to county, and you'll find the best deal by comparing the available plans in your location by their monthly cost, level of coverage and other preferences.
What is the Medicare general enrollment period?
If you missed your initial enrollment period, you can sign up for Medicare for the first time between Jan. 1 and March 31 each year.
During general enrollment, you'll have the same options as during initial enrollment. You can sign up for Medicare Part A, B, C or D. The coverage you pick begins on the first day of the month after you sign up.
You might pay a higher monthly rate if you sign up for Medicare during general enrollment.
You'll pay the Part A penalty for twice as long as you waited to sign up for coverage. So if you waited two years after you were eligible, you'll pay a higher rate for four years. You'll pay the higher rate for Part B for as long as you have Medicare.
Other Medicare enrollment periods
Sometimes, you can sign up for Medicare outside of the specific enrollment dates. That's the case with Medicare Supplement plans and special enrollment periods.
Medicare Supplement open enrollment
You can buy a Medicare Supplement plan as soon as you get Medicare Part B.
You have six months after the day your Part B starts to sign up for Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap.
Medigap open enrollment starts a little later than your initial enrollment period for Medicare. It starts when your Part B coverage starts, not three months before your birthday.
This is the best time to buy a Medigap plan because you’ll have preferred pricing, and you can’t be denied coverage because of your health. Plus, the plan you get can't be canceled, which helps you reduce the cost of medical bills for as long as you choose to keep the policy.
- Plans with the same letter all have the same coverage no matter what company you choose. For example, Plan G from Humana has the same coverage as Plan G from UnitedHealthcare. The main differences between companies are the price and any extra benefits such as dental or vision.
- Costs vary widely based on each plan letter's coverage. For the cheapest option, choose Medigap Plan K, which costs $77 per month on average for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke. For the most comprehensive coverage, enroll in Medigap Plan G, which costs an average of $148 per month.
What happens if you miss your Medigap open enrollment when you turn 65?
You can sign up for Medicare supplemental insurance at any time. But if you miss your initial Medigap open enrollment, you probably won't get the best prices, and you can be denied coverage for a preexisting condition.
You might qualify for what's called a guaranteed issue period, which means you can change your plan without having to worry about being denied or charged more because of health issues.
Changing your current Medigap policy
You can change your Medicare Supplement policy at any time, but the best time to change your plan is during a "guaranteed issue" period.
Medicare Supplement plans don't have strict enrollment periods for changing coverage. But you will get the best rates and can't be denied coverage if you change plans within 63 days of losing or ending your existing coverage. This is called a "guaranteed issue period."
- Making changes with a guaranteed issue period: If you change your Medigap plan during a guaranteed issue period, the insurance company won’t consider your age or medical condition. You'll pay lower rates and your application won't be denied.
- Making changes without a guaranteed issue period: If you don't qualify for a guaranteed issue period, your health will affect your rates. You could pay more for a policy or be denied coverage for a preexisting condition.
What Medigap changes can you make?
At any time, you can switch your Medigap plan or add a supplemental plan to your Original Medicare.
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When do you qualify for a guaranteed issue period?
The federal government gives you a Medigap guaranteed issue period for four reasons.
- You lose coverage through no fault of your own, like if your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is no longer available or a supplemental plan through an employer or union is ending.
- You’re moving and your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Select policy is not available in your new area.
- You are in the first year of enrollment and want to switch to Original Medicare with Medigap from Medicare Advantage. This is called the Trial Right period.
- You have been misled by your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, or the plan has not followed the rules.
If you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you may be charged a higher rate or denied coverage for a Medigap plan since you're not in a guaranteed issue period.
State rules for changing Medigap plans
Forty-one states offer expanded guaranteed issue periods to give you more options for changing your Medigap coverage. Twelve states have annual or continuous Medigap open enrollment periods.
Medigap enrollment requirements vary greatly by state, so be sure to follow the rules for your area.
Medicare special enrollment periods
Special enrollment periods let you sign up for or change your Medicare coverage outside of the normal time periods.
You have to meet certain qualifications to qualify for a special enrollment period.
If you're already on Medicare, you can qualify to change your Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare or Medicare Part D plan with a special enrollment period if you move, lose Medicaid, if Medicare cancels your plan and more.
Medicare.gov has strict rules about special enrollment periods and what changes you can make based on why you qualified.
Special enrollment qualification | What Medicare changes you can make |
|---|---|
| Moved to a new address with different plan options | Return to Original Medicare or change coverage with Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D |
| Changed eligibility for employer, union or COBRA coverage | Join or drop Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D |
| You’re eligible to be dual enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid | Enroll in, cancel or change Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D |
| You have or recover from a severe or disabling condition | Enroll in or cancel a Medicare Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) |
| A 5-star Medicare plan becomes available in your area | You can join the 5-star Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan |
| You qualify for Medicaid, a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) or Medicare Extra Help | You can enroll in, cancel or change Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D several times during the year |
If you're new to Medicare: If you didn’t enroll in Medicare at age 65 because you had health insurance through your job or your spouse's job, you could qualify for a special enrollment period. If you qualify, you won't pay the late fee for Part B, but you'll still pay more for Part A.
Navigating between Medicare and employer health coverage is complex. Talk to someone at Medicare or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program to find out what you need to qualify for a special enrollment period.
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare open enrollment in 2024?
Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7 every year. You can drop, add or switch Medicare plan types and companies during this period.
When does Medicare open enrollment end?
The fall Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) ends on Dec. 7. But depending on the type of Medicare you have or want to enroll in, you could be eligible for different enrollment periods. For example, the additional Medicare Advantage open enrollment period is from Jan. 1 to March 31.
When is Medicare Part D open enrollment?
Open enrollment dates for Medicare Part D coverage run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Other parts of Medicare have the same open enrollment period (OEP). Depending on your situation, you may also be able to update or change your prescription drug plan during several other Medicare enrollment periods throughout the year.
Is there an open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement plans?
Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, has a six-month initial enrollment period that starts when your Part B coverage is active. But if you live in one of 12 states with expanded Medigap enrollment, you may be able to apply annually or throughout the year. You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but you'll get the best rates and you can't be denied coverage if you join during your initial enrollment period for Medigap or during a guaranteed issue period.
Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan after open enrollment?
After the fall open enrollment period, there is an extra Medicare Advantage open enrollment period that starts on Jan. 1 and lasts through March 31. During this time, if you're already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a different plan or even change your coverage to Original Medicare. However, you'll have fewer plan choices during this period compared to fall open enrollment.
When is open enrollment for health insurance?
Open enrollment for health insurance generally runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 each year. However, if you want your coverage to begin by Jan. 1, you should enroll no later than Dec. 15.
Methodology
Details, costs and comparisons are based on information from Medicare.gov, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), KFF and state insurance agencies including:
- Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
- Connecticut Insurance Department
- Maine Bureau of Insurance
- Massachusetts Division of Insurance
- New York State Department of Financial Services
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Wyoming Department of Insurance
Medicare Advantage cost estimates are based on 2024 plans. Costs for Medicare Part D are based on our nationwide analysis of all prescription drug plans available throughout the country. Medicare Supplement rates are from actuarial data for private insurance companies and are for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke. And Medicare Advantage recommendations are based on our comparison of Medicare Advantage plans.
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Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC ("QWIS"), a separate subsidiary of QuoteWizard, LLC ("QuoteWizard"), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. Licensing information for QWIS can be found here. QWIS is a non-government licensed health insurance agency. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.
Callers will be directed to a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Supplement insurance and/or Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations. Calls will be routed to a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with further information about the insurance plans offered by one or more nationally recognized insurance companies. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.
Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location and may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 73 organizations which offer 5,110 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
These numbers provided are not specific to your area, but rather represent the number of organizations and the number of products available on a national basis. We will connect you with licensed insurance agents who can provide information about the number of organizations they represent and the number of products they offer in your service area. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location.
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, limitations, and exclusions may apply.
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained on this website. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system every year.
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