Who can get Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for U.S. citizens and legal residents. Legal residents must have been living in the U.S. for at least five years in a row. In addition, you must be:

• Age 65 or older
• Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
• Any age and have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• You can enroll in Medicare during specific times called enrollment periods. Some enrollment periods are for people joining Medicare for the first time. Others are for people already enrolled in Medicare who want to change their coverage.

When can you first enroll in Medicare?

You can sign up for Medicare during designated enrollment periods. Each has a specific purpose.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is when you are first eligible to enroll in Medicare. Your age eligibility for Medicare and the timing of your IEP are based on the date of your 65th birthday. If you become eligible due to disability, then your IEP timing is based on your disability date.

General Enrollment Period (GEP): This is a set period of time for people who did not enroll during their IEP. It runs from January 1 to March 31 every year.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for new beneficiaries: This is for people who are unable to enroll during their IEP or who choose not to. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for this SEP. The timing is based on the specific situation. There are other SEPs for different enrollment situations. This one is specifically for people enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

When can you change your Medicare coverage?

You have the chance to change your Medicare coverage once a year, if needed. It’s a good idea to review your plan every year to make sure that you always have coverage that fits your needs. You may be able to change your coverage at other times under certain circumstances, such as when you move.

Here is a brief description of the three time periods when you can change your Medicare coverage.

Medicare Open Enrollment: This is when you can make new Medicare choices to better meet your needs in the coming year. It occurs every year from October 15 through December 7.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for current beneficiaries: This is provided so that you can change your coverage outside Medicare Open Enrollment under certain circumstances. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for a SEP. The timing and what kinds of changes you can make are based on the specific situation.

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP): This is provided to allow you to drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. It occurs every year from January 1 through February 14. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes drug coverage, then you can also enroll in a standalone prescription drug plan at this time. If you already have Original Medicare, then you can’t switch your coverage at this time.