Answer:
If you’re new to Medicare and joining for the first time: The last day of your initial eligibility period is the last day of the third month following your birthday month.
If you were born in April, then your last day to sign up for Medicare Advantage is July 31st.
If you’re already in Medicare, but not already enrolled in Medicare Advantage
The last day you can enroll in Medicare Advantage is December 7th.
That’s the last day of Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15th through December 7th every year.
That’s the window of time during which all Medicare Beneficiaries can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.
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If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan
The last day you can change your Medicare Advantage or MAPD plan is March 31st.
That’s the last day of Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, which runs from January 1st through March 31st every year.
During this period, you have the guaranteed right to switch Medicare Advantage Plans, or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
Note: if you go back to Original Medicare, you should definitely consider signing for either a Medigap plan or the Medi-Share 65+ health sharing plan.
These plans help cover your Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, co-insurance, and copays.
But with late enrollment in Medigap, acceptance may not be guaranteed. If you are applying for Medigap outside your initial eligibility period, you could be charged a higher premium or even denied outright, depending on your medical history and the Medigap insurance company.
Click here to learn more about Medicare Advantage enrollment periods.
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Tom Lockwood is a Personal Benefits Manager at MediGap Advisors. Tom has a passion for bringing clarity to those confused about Medicare. He is an authority on Medicare, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug plans. Read more about Tom on his Bio page.