Every window that matters — IEP, AEP, OEP, SEP
Medicare has several enrollment windows, and using the right one avoids penalties and gaps. Here are the periods that matter and what each one lets you do.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7 months around your 65th birthday when you first sign up. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7, is when anyone can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the next year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets those already in an Advantage plan make one change.
Life events — moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Medicaid, and more — open a Special Enrollment Period so you can enroll or change plans outside the usual windows. We’ll tell you which window applies to you and handle the timing.
Free licensed guidance in 5 languages — or quote yourself online.
October 15 through December 7, 2026. During AEP you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, with changes effective January 1, 2027.