When does the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begin?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following year.

Yes, if you have active employer coverage from a company with 20 or more employees. Without qualifying coverage, delaying Part B can trigger a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.

Medicare Enrollment Countdown

Exactly how many days until each Medicare enrollment window — live.

Initial Enrollment Begins

—

days

enter date of birth

Initial Enrollment Ends

—

days

enter date of birth

Annual Enrollment Period

—

days

—

Oct 15 – Dec 7

General Enrollment Period

—

days

—

Jan 1 – Mar 31

This countdown provides estimates only and is not an official Medicare determination. Dates can vary by individual circumstances. Confirm with Medicare.gov, Social Security, or a licensed agent.

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

A 7-month window around your 65th birthday — the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

October 15 – December 7 each year. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following year.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

January 1 – March 31, for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period. Late-enrollment penalties may apply.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you have active employer coverage from a company with 20+ employees, you can enroll later without a penalty — usually within 8 months of that coverage ending.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Medicare enrollment start?

Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after — a 7-month window.

When does AEP begin?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7 every year, when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.

Can I delay Part B?

Yes, if you have active employer coverage from a company with 20 or more employees. Without it, delaying can trigger a lifetime penalty.

What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

You may need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) and could face lifetime late-enrollment penalties.

Medicare Enrollment Countdown

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

Related Medicare Tools

Eligibility Calculator

Timeline Calculator

Late Enrollment Penalty

IRMAA Calculator

Questions about Medicare enrollment?

Frequently Asked Questions