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Enrollment timing

Know which enrollment decision you are making.

Starting Medicare, changing a Medicare plan and buying Medigap have different rules. Begin with the action you need to take.

Independent educationOfficial sources linked

The whole picture.
Your next decision.

Part A and Part B enrollment is its own step.
Plan changes require an applicable election period.
Medigap has separate buying protections.

Starting Medicare

The Initial Enrollment Period for someone first eligible at 65 generally spans seven months around the birthday month. Other eligibility situations and current employment can change the relevant pathway.

Confirm the period and start date with Medicare or Social Security. Having an application in progress is not the same as having active coverage.

Medicare: When you can sign up for Medicare

Changing Medicare Advantage or drug coverage

A Special Enrollment Period may allow changes after certain life events, such as moving or losing qualifying coverage. The allowed action and deadline depend on the event.

Prepare the exact event date and any supporting notice. Do not assume that an advertisement, a change of preference or veteran status by itself creates an enrollment opportunity.

Medicare: Special Enrollment Periods

Buying Medigap is a different question

The federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time period tied to being 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside it, guaranteed-issue rights or additional state protections may matter.

A Medicare plan-change opportunity does not automatically mean a Medigap insurer must issue a policy. Confirm those rights before dropping existing supplemental coverage.

Medicare: Medigap Open Enrollment and buying protectionsMedicare: Changing a Medigap policy

Bring these questions to the review.

  • Am I enrolling in Medicare or changing a private plan?
  • What event gives me an enrollment opportunity?
  • When does the opportunity end?
  • Do separate Medigap protections apply?
Plan My Medicare Next StepUse the private worksheet

Official sources. Clear limits.

Source links checked September 16, 2026. Program rules and individual circumstances can change. Confirm eligibility, coverage and enrollment with the responsible program. This is general education, not an individual plan recommendation or a government determination.

How this library is sourced · Education and insurance assistance

Continue with the connected questions.

Follow the topics relevant to your situation. You do not need to provide contact information to keep learning.

Approaching Medicare

Prepare for Medicare without disrupting military-related coverage.

Turn the Medicare transition into a manageable plan. Organize your enrollment timing, doctors, prescriptions and existing benefits before comparing coverage.

Read the guide

Original Medicare + supplemental coverage

Medigap and Medicare Advantage are different choices.

Understand the role of a Medigap policy and your buying protections before comparing or leaving coverage.

Read the guide

Before you change coverage

Turn your Medicare questions into a confident next step.

Compare what you have with relevant alternatives. Use one clear framework for benefits, costs, doctors, prescriptions and the steps needed before a change.

Read the guide

Your next step

Could your Medicare coverage do more for you?

Understand what you have, what you would like to improve, and the details worth comparing. See how a focused review turns those questions into a clear next step.

Review My Medicare Options Start with my review checklist