Medicare Advantage, often called Part C plan, requires in-time enrollment as it has very short enrollment windows. The beneficiaries must know specific deadlines for enrollment as it is a highly time-sensitive process.
What if you miss out on timely enrollment? The downsides are delayed enrollment, limited plan options, and missing out on critical benefits!
Turning 65 this year and want to sign up for Medicare? Worry not. Here’s everything about critical dates, deadlines, and enrollment periods so you stay well-informed when it comes to signing up for a comprehensive Medicare Advantage plan in 2025.
Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Periods
Specific enrollment periods, time-specific windows, and specificity of enrollment methods are just some hassles of signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan.
A deadline for Medicare Advantage enrollment is a date after which you cannot sign up, change, or switch your healthcare plans. Due to this, you must make timely decisions regarding your plan choices.
Take a quick look at the enrollment periods, critical dates, and time frames.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The initial enrollment period (IEP) is the very first opportunity for you to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Lasting about seven months, this enrollment period starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after — meaning you have a total of seven months to get Medicare Advantage when you first become eligible.
If you haven’t had Medicare before, this is your enrollment window. Eye the following dates for timely enrollment.
- Suppose you turn 65 in June. Your IEP runs from March 1 to September 30.
- If you enroll before your birthday month, your Medicare coverage starts on the first day of your birth month.
- If you enroll during or after your birth month, your coverage may be delayed.
You first need to be enrolled in the basic Medicare plan. Think of it as signing up for the core membership before you can access additional benefits.
Once you’re signed up for Medicare Parts A and B, you have the option to pick a Medicare Advantage plan right away — kind of like upgrading your basic subscription to a more all-inclusive package.
If you miss your IEP, you’ll have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) to make changes — and in some cases, you could face late penalties. Enrolling on time keeps things smooth, so you get healthcare coverage precisely when you need it, without any unnecessary delays.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the most common window for Medicare enrollment. So, what can you actually do during AEP? Take a quick look.
- If you are already enrolled in Original Medicare, you can choose to join a Medicare Advantage plan.
- If your current Medicare Advantage plan no longer fits your needs, you have the option to switch to a different one.
- You can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare if you prefer.
- A Part D prescription drug plan can be added to help cover medication costs.
AEP occurs every year from October 15 to December 7. Any changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. If you miss AEP, you may have to wait until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a second opportunity for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make changes if needed. This period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year, allowing adjustments to existing coverage.
What can you do during this period? Take a look.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
Remember that you cannot switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during OEP. If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP and you don’t find it as comprehensive as you need, OEP lets you make a one-time change.
Changes made during OEP take effect on the first day of the following month. If you miss OEP, you’ll have to wait until AEP unless you qualify for Special Enrollment.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Medicare Advantage enrollees aren’t always restricted to AEP or OEP when making changes. In certain situations — like moving to a new area or losing other health coverage — a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) provides the flexibility to adjust plans outside the usual timeframes.
Situations that qualify for SEP:
- Relocating to a different state or beyond your plan’s coverage area.
- No longer having employer-sponsored insurance (such as retiring after 65).
- Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help, which provides support for prescription drug expenses.
- Losing your current Medicare Advantage plan due to discontinuation in your region.
- Becoming eligible to enroll in a top-rated 5-star Medicare Advantage plan.
The duration of a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) depends on the situation, usually extending for two months after the qualifying event.
If eligible, you can switch to or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without facing any penalties. If you need to change your Medicare Advantage Plan due to reasons like relocating to another state or losing your current coverage, you may qualify to make adjustments during this timeframe.
How to Apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan Without Missing the Deadline for Enrollment?
Staying well-informed is the primary step in not missing out on the enrollment period. Besides, you should also know that Original Medicare is a definite prerequisite to the Medicare Advantage plan.
Keep the following dates in mind.
- The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, beneficiaries can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, with changes taking effect on January 1 of the following year.
- The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 annually. This period allows individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make a one-time change, either by switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan or returning to Original Medicare.
To apply, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Then, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan through the Medicare Plan Finder on the official Medicare website by contacting the plan provider directly.
Review plan details carefully and consider factors such as coverage options, network restrictions, and out-of-pocket costs. Select a plan that best meets your healthcare needs.
By staying informed about these enrollment periods and promptly completing the application process, you can secure Medicare Advantage coverage without missing critical deadlines.
Timely Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan With Silveredge
Keeping up with the Medicare Advantage enrollment deadlines is quite overwhelming, especially for those applying for the first time. However, accessing these healthcare plans is a critical decision, and you must be wise about it.
Staying informed about the enrollment process, additional costs, and application requirements can help you not miss out on critical deadlines.
To receive coverage without any delay or face penalties, consult Silveredge licensed advisors for all your Medicare-related queries before your enrollment period begins.
