Enrollment Periods
When Can You Enroll in Medicare? The 2026 Windows Explained
Medicare has set windows for signing up and making changes — and missing one can mean penalties or waiting. Here is the calendar, in plain language.
When can I first sign up for Medicare?
Your first chance is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It lasts 7 months, built around the month you turn 65. Signing up early in the window helps your coverage start on time.
- 3 months before your birthday month — you can sign up early
- Your 65th birthday month — the middle of the window
- 3 months after your birthday month — the window closes
What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
Every fall, from October 15 to December 7, Medicare holds its Annual Enrollment Period. Changes you make take effect January 1. This is the season when most people review their coverage, because plans can change their costs and benefits each year.
Even if you are happy with your current plan, a quick yearly review is wise. What worked well this year may look different next year.
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
I already have Medicare Advantage. Can I still make a change?
Yes. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs January 1 through March 31 each year. It is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
During this window you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D drug plan. It is a helpful safety valve if your current plan is not working out.
What if I missed my first window?
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs January 1 through March 31 each year. When you sign up during the GEP, coverage begins the month after you enroll.
Waiting can carry a cost. The Part B late-enrollment penalty adds 10% for each full 12-month period you delayed, and it stays with you for life. Part D has its own penalty that grows for each month you go without creditable drug coverage. The amounts change each year, so the safest approach is simply not to miss your window.
What if my life changes — moving, retiring, or Medi-Cal?
Certain life events open a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — a personal window to make changes outside the usual calendar. These windows are usually short, so it helps to call soon after the change happens.
Still working at 65? If you have qualifying group coverage from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B without penalty and use a Special Enrollment Period after that coverage ends. Be careful: COBRA does not count as this kind of coverage, so the time to call is before your employer coverage ends.
- Moving to a new address, especially outside your plan's service area
- Losing health coverage from an employer or union
- Gaining, losing, or changing Medi-Cal (Medicaid) eligibility
- Other qualifying events — every situation is worth a quick check
Why mark your calendar now?
Medicare windows do not wait, and paperwork takes time. Gathering documents, comparing options, and submitting an application all go more smoothly with a little breathing room. A calm call today beats a rushed decision in December.
Rachel Park is a bilingual Korean-English licensed agent based in Los Angeles, serving Koreatown, Downtown LA, and Orange County. Licensed in California since 2019, she has walked many families through these same deadlines — explaining first, never rushing a decision. Consultations are free, and there is never pressure to enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't let a window close on you
A free consultation call takes a few minutes and can save months of waiting. Call Rachel Park at 213‑429‑0314 — Korean or English, your choice.