Annual Notice of Change
September
Private plans are required to send a notice each fall if there will be any changes in cost, coverage, or service area. These changes go into effect January of the coming year.

Open Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans begin accepting applications for the upcoming year. The open enrollment period ends December 7 and new plans go into effect January 1.

General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
If you did not enroll in Medicare you can sign up for Part B from January 1 to March 31. Signing up through the GEP means you will have to pay a Part B premium penalty.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
During the MA OEP you can make changes only if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare, with or without drug coverage. You cannot make any changes if you have Original Medicare.

Flu Season
November – April
Medicare Part B covers 100 percent of the cost of a flu shot once ever flu season with no Part B deductible required.

Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months
The seven-month period including the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. During this time you can enroll in Medicare.