Medicare Important Dates You Need to Know
Medicare has several important enrollment periods, and knowing the right dates can help you avoid missed opportunities, coverage gaps, or potential late-enrollment penalties.
🟢 INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (IEP)
3 months before you turn 65 → 3 months after your 65th birthday month
This is generally your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
👉 Your exact dates depend on your birth month.
🔵 MEDICARE ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT
October 15 – December 7
This is the big one! During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can:
✔️ Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
✔️ Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
✔️ Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
📌 Changes made during this
Read MoreIMPORTANT DATES FOR MEDICARE
📅 MEDICARE IMPORTANT DATES — SAVE THIS POST!
Medicare has several important enrollment periods, and knowing the right dates can help you avoid missed opportunities, coverage gaps, or potential late-enrollment penalties.
🟢 INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (IEP)
3 months before you turn 65 → 3 months after your 65th birthday month
This is generally your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
👉 Your exact dates depend on your birth month.
🔵 MEDICARE ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT
October 15 – December 7
This is the big one! During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can:
✔️ Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
✔️ Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
✔️ Switch between Original Medicare
Medicare Changes for 2027: What You Need to Know Before Annual Enrollment Period
2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7, 2026
If you have Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period is an important opportunity to review your coverage.
Medicare plans can change their premiums, deductibles, copayments, prescription drug formularies, provider networks and extra benefits from year to year. In addition, several nationwide Medicare changes will affect beneficiaries in 2027.
The good news? You don’t necessarily need to change your plan.
The important thing is to review your current coverage and make sure it still fits your healthcare needs for 2027.
Here are the most important Medicare changes to know about for 2027.