When is the Medicare "Open Enrollment Period"

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins October 15th of each year and ends December 5th.  These enrollments have an effective date of January 1.

During the Open Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries are free the BEGIN, END or CHANGE a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) or Prescription Drug Plan.

Related Subjects:

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Online Resources for Medicare insurance plans
Medicare Basics

When can I enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan, prescription drug plan, or Medicare Supplement plan?

Most individual may start, leave, or change a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) during the Medicare annual enrollment which is October 15 through December 7.  These changes become effective January 1.

Most Medicare supplement plans are available for enrollment throughout the year although prospects must remember that they may not be able to leave their Medicare Advantage plan until January 1.

For more information about other enrollment time frames, click here.