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When Can You Sign Up for Medicare?

Don't miss out on important Medicare enrollment deadlines. Find out when and how to apply for Medicare.

By Vanessa Caceres|Edited by Annika Urban|Reviewed by Emily Gang|Oct. 3, 2025, at 2:48 p.m. SaveAdd us onMore

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

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Key Takeaways

There are multiple enrollment periods for Medicare, which means that you have options throughout the year to apply for coverage. However, to avoid coverage gaps, you’ll want to plan ahead for completing your application.
Many people enroll during the initial enrollment period, which occurs during the three months before your 65th birthday and the three months after your birthday. During this time, you can sign up for Parts A, B, C (Medicare Advantage) and D (prescription drug coverage.)
General enrollment runs from January 1 to March 31, during which time you can sign up for Parts A and B but may have to pay a penalty. This is also the time period for Medicare Advantage open enrollment, when you can switch your Medicare Advantage plan.
During fall open enrollment, which runs from October 15th through December 7th, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, switch plans or add prescription drug coverage.
Finally, there are a few special enrollment periods, including if you move out of state and are no longer covered by your current plan, if Medicare ends coverage with your current plan or if you had health insurance coverage elsewhere, like through your job or a spouse's plan, but now you don't.

If you have Medicare or you're turning 65 this year, there are some key dates you need to know for when to sign up for Medicare.

This year, it's particularly important to stay on track with Medicare dates and changes, says Diane Omdahl, Wisconsin-based president and cofounder of the Medicare consulting firm 65 Incorporated. That's because impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 has led to Medicare changes that will go into effect this year. This could lead to premium increases that will make you want to compare costs from different plans.

Understanding the basics of Medicare can help keep you – and your coverage – on track. This comprehensive guide to Medicare deadlines details everything you need to know about the initial enrollment, general enrollment, open enrollment and special enrollment periods.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program designed for adults age 65 and older (though some younger people with qualifying disabilities can access Medicare too). Also known as "original Medicare" or "traditional Medicare," this coverage option includes Part A (inpatient care) and Part B (outpatient care).

Medicare Advantage refers to plans offered by private companies. These plans are comparable to Medicare, but they may also offer extra benefits, such as vision and dental coverage.

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug portion of Medicare.

Medigap is supplemental insurance that can be paired with original Medicare to help beneficiaries cover out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments and deductibles.

READ:

Does Medicare Cover GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic and Zepbound?

Initial Enrollment Period

The initial enrollment period for original Medicare (Part A and Part B) refers to a seven-month time period that lasts three months before you turn 65, the month you actually turn 65 and three months after you turn 65. For example, if your birthday is in June, your enrollment period would last from March through September of the year you turn 65.

If your birthday falls on the first of the month, Medicare treats it as if it were the last day of the previous month, meaning that you can sign up four months before and two months after your birthday month. However, coverage can’t start earlier than the month you turn 65, regardless of when you sign up.

Part A is hospital insurance and helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilitycare, hospice care and home health care. Part B is medical insurance and helps cover outpatient care, including durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and other equipment, for example) and many preventive screenings and vaccines.

In addition to signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B, there are a few additional things to know about the Medicare initial enrollment period:

You can also use this time period to sign up for Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and they may provide additional benefits.
You also can sign up for Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug plan.

It's important to explore your options for how to pursue Medicare after retirement. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this, and don’t count on health insurance coverage like the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), which gives people who lose their health benefits the right to continue coverage through their group health plan for a limited time. While this is a popular stopgap measure, premiums can be high, and coverage can be minimal.

Medigap initial enrollment

Medicare supplemental insurance plans, or Medigap, can help you cover some of Medicare's out-of-pocket costs.

The Medigap open enrollment period is different from other parts of Medicare. It's a six-month period that begins when you are 65 or older and have enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this open enrollment period, the government requires private Medicare-approved health insurance companies to sell you a Medicare supplemental insurance plan, regardless of your health status. This is often the arrangement of choice for those with chronic conditions or anticipating significant health care needs.

While Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for a Medicare supplemental insurance plan after this enrollment period, insurance companies are allowed to use medical underwriting to decide how much to charge for the policy. They can even reject individuals they don't want to cover.

"This is one reason that it is important to assess your needs and seek the best and most appropriate coverage,” says Meredith Ramsey, a New Orleans-based insurance consultant. “Don’t wait until you get sick to make decisions or attempt to make changes because it might be too late.”

General Enrollment Period

Medicare's general enrollment period runs from January 1 to March 31. It's geared toward people who didn't sign up for Medicare when they were first eligible.

During general enrollment, even if you have health coverage from another source or you are still working, you can sign up for Medicare Part B coverage. You will likely have to pay a penalty for not signing up during the initial enrollment period. The penalty may be 10% of your monthly premium, or it could be more. That's why it's a good idea to sign up for Medicare during the initial enrollment period versus waiting and having to pay a penalty.

If you sign up for Medicare during the general enrollment period, your coverage will begin the month after you sign up.

Read:

How to Avoid Paying a Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty

Open Enrollment Periods

Medicare fall open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this time, current Medicare enrollees can join a new Medicare Advantage plan, sign up for Medicare Part D or switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. Changes made during this period will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage open enrollment runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. This is when beneficiaries can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or change from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare, with or without a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

For members on either Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, look for your plan's Annual Notice of Change toward the end of September.

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“This is extremely important because it will tell you about what your coverage will be in the coming year. Even if you plan to work beyond age 65 and will have coverage, don’t make assumptions about coverage after retirement. You could get tripped up if you do,” Omdahl says. “If you ignore this, you could be in for some unpleasant surprises. Know about any changes to your plan, and compare and contrast with others so you can make sure you have the best one for your needs.”

This notice will provide you with updates about changes to the coverage and costs of your current plan that will take effect on January 1.

If you want to modify your plans based on these changes, the open enrollment period is the time to do it.

Special Enrollment Period

Medicare's special enrollment period refers to a time period when you have certain changes in life that may affect your Medicare Part C or D coverage, such as a move to a different state. You also may qualify to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during the special enrollment period if you don't already have those plans.

Here are some examples of when you may qualify for Medicare's special enrollment period:

You're moving to a new state or city that isn't covered under your current plan
You had health insurance coverage elsewhere, like through your job or a spouse's plan, but now you don't
Medicare has ended coverage with your current plan

When Medicare Coverage Starts

Medicare Part A and Part B coverage starts the month after you sign up. If you enroll, say, in mid-January, your coverage will begin February 1.

If you're receiving Social Security benefits, you may be automatically signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.

If you're purchasing Medicare Advantage or a Medicare supplement plan, the coverage typically starts the month after you have signed up. So, signing up in June will put your Part C plan into effect July 1. If you sign up for Medicare Part C before you turn 65, then your coverage will begin when you reach your 65th birthday.

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

If you miss a deadline, you may have to wait up to a year to apply for coverage or make a change in your plan. However, it’s important not to panic.

“Talk to an independent insurance agent or someone else with expertise in Medicare,” Ramsey suggests.

They may be able to help you find or keep coverage or make changes. Even if you have to deal with penalty fees or higher premiums, it may be worth the investment. However, the best move is to put these key dates on your calendar now and plan ahead.

Find the Best Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Plans With U.S. News

Start your search for the right plan for you with U.S. News’ Best Medicare Advantage Plans and Best Medicare Part D Companies. You can also look for and compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, bundled Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and Medicare supplement plans near you with the U.S. News search and compare tool.

To determine the top-rated insurance companies, U.S. News consulted with Medicare experts to identify and weigh the most important quality measures for Medicare Advantage consumers, applied these weights to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and then adjusted for enrollment.

Medicare Fall Open Enrollment

The annual enrollment period for Medicare is your opportunity to review and tailor your plan. Find out how to make the most of it for 2026.

Elaine K. HowleyOct. 1, 2025

Close up of a senior woman talking to her doctor on a video call

Updated on Oct. 3, 2025: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.SOURCES

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our editorial guidelines.

Diane Omdahl, RN, MS

Omdahl is the president and co-founder of the Medicare consulting firm 65 Incorporated and author of, "Medicare for You: A Smart Person’s Guide." She is based in Wisconsin.

Meredith Ramsey

Ramsey is an independent insurance agent in New Orleans.

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