Find My Medicare Enrollment Period
Answer a few plain-language questions and see which Medicare enrollment window may apply to your situation — with links to the official Medicare, Social Security, and CMS sources behind each answer.
Official sources last reviewed July 12, 2026.
This is an independent agent's educational tool. It is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program, and it does not determine official eligibility.
Medicare enrollment periods, explained
Plain-language answers, each based on official Medicare, CMS, and Social Security sources.
What is a Medicare enrollment period?
It is a set window of time when you can sign up for, change, or drop Medicare coverage. Different windows apply to different situations, and missing one can delay your coverage or add a lifelong penalty.
When can I first enroll in Medicare?
Most people use their Initial Enrollment Period: a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first of a month, the window is figured one month earlier.
What happens if I have employer coverage?
If you have group health coverage based on current employment (yours or a spouse's) at an employer with 20 or more employees, you can often delay Part B and use an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that begins when the job or that coverage ends, whichever comes first.
Is COBRA treated like active-employment coverage?
No. Medicare does not count COBRA or retiree coverage as active-employment coverage, and having COBRA does not extend the 8-month Part B Special Enrollment Period. The clock starts when the job or its coverage ends.
What is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?
It runs January 1 through March 31 each year, for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late penalty may apply.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
From January 1 to March 31, people already in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and add a drug plan. It is separate from — and not a second — Annual Enrollment Period.
When can I add Medicare drug coverage?
You can add Medicare drug coverage when you're new to Medicare, during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), or through a Special Enrollment Period — for example, involuntarily losing creditable drug coverage opens a 2-month window.
When does Medigap Open Enrollment begin?
Your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month window that starts the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state regardless of your health.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 159 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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