When does the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare occur?

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This period allows individuals who are eligible for Medicare to review their coverage options, make changes, and enroll in different plans, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. It’s a crucial time for beneficiaries to assess their health needs and ensure they have the appropriate coverage for the upcoming year.

During this enrollment period, beneficiaries can also add or drop a Part D prescription drug plan if they choose. After December 7, coverage changes will typically take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Other timeframes mentioned in the choices do not represent the Annual Enrollment Period. For example, January 1 to March 31 is actually the timeframe for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, while the options in April to June and July to September do not correlate with any designated enrollment periods for Medicare programs. Understanding these specific enrollment windows is essential for beneficiaries to manage their health insurance effectively.