A Guide to Medicare Enrollment

We can help you understand the process and learn more about the different Medicare enrollment periods so you know exactly when to sign up.

What is the first step?

Enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the first step. If youʼre already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, then youʼre automatically enrolled, and you'll receive your Medicare Card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday.

If you were not automatically enrolled, you can sign up online through the Social Security Administrationʼs website or by contacting your local Social Security office by phone or visiting in person.

When should I enroll?

In most cases, the best time to enroll is when you first become eligible during your Initial Enrollment Period. This seven-month period begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month and ends three months after your birthday.

If you enroll during the three-month period before your 65th birthday, your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65. If you enroll any time after that initial three-month window, your coverage will begin the following month.

What are the different Medicare
enrollment periods?

Initial Enrollment Period

This seven-month period begins three months prior to the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. For example, if your birthday is in August, the enrollment period would be from May through November. During this time, you can:

• Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
• Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)

Enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period can help you avoid potential penalties.

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The best time to buy a Medicare supplement insurance plan is during the six-month enrollment period that begins the first day of the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

This is considered a guaranteed period of enrollment, meaning your application won't go through medical underwriting to be accepted. You generally will get better prices and more choices among policies during this Open Enrollment Period.

You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan at any time outside of this enrollment period, but your rates may be higher.

Special Enrollment Period

If you delay signing up for Medicare, or miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. There are a number of factors that determine whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Some examples are:

• You move to an area that your current plan doesn't cover
• You lose health insurance coverage from your employer
• Your current plan is terminated or changes its contract with Medicare

The dates of your Special Enrollment Period depend on your qualifying circumstances.

General Enrollment Period

You can also sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) between January 1 and March 31 each year if both of these conditions apply:

• You didn't sign up when you were first eligible
• You aren't eligible for a Special Enrollment Period

Your coverage will start July 1 and you may be subject to penalties.

Annual Enrollment Period

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan you can make changes to your coverage and enroll in a Medicare plan each year, from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can:

• Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — or vice versa.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage to one without — or vice versa.
• Join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D).
• Update your coverage by switching to a new plan from your current insurer or switching to a new insurer.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

You can also add a stand-alone prescription drug plan if you choose to return to Original Medicare. Either way, your new coverage will start on the first day of the month following the month you make a change.

Helpful Enrollment Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about the Medicare enrollment process.

Your Initial Medicare Enrollment Period

You've worked hard for years to earn your Medicare coverage, but there is a limited time to sign up during your Initial Medicare Enrollment Period.

When is Your Medicare Enrollment Period?

The details of Medicare can be somewhat intimidating, but figuring out your Medicare enrollment period doesn’t have to be difficult.

Medicare Eligibility and Working Past 65

If you plan to keep working after you turn 65, there are some important things about Medicare you should know before you turn 65.

Ready to enroll but need help finding the right plan?

Things can get confusing when it comes to Medicare. We can help you sort it out. Answer a few simple questions and we'll build a health care profile to show you which Medicare solutions best fit your needs.

• Newsroom
• Careers
• Sales Professional Access
• Supplier Registration
• Other Sites
  • Mutual of Omaha Foundation
  • Mutual of Omaha Mortgage
  • Wild Kingdom
  • Mutual of Omaha Design Guide

  Neither Omaha Supplemental Insurance Company nor its Medicare supplement insurance policies are connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

  Medicare supplement insurance is underwritten by Omaha Supplemental Insurance Company, 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175. Policy forms: SM20, SM24, SM25, SM35, SM36. Plan F is only available to applicants eligible for Medicare before 2020. This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call (or write) your insurance agent or the company. In some states, Medicare supplement policies are available to those eligible for Medicare due to a disability, regardless of age. IMPORTANT NOTICE – “A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE” MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE OR THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES OR FROM OMAHA SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY.

  © 2024 Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Your California Privacy Choices
  • Washington Privacy Notice
  • Manage Cookie Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Services
  • Health Plan Compliance Notice

  You're about to leave the Mutual of Omaha site.

  To continue, click Confirm. Otherwise, click Cancel to close this window to remain on the Mutual of Omaha site.