Medicare enrollment deadline checker
Federal enrollment windows are the same in all 50 states, but state-specific Medigap rules can change your options. Pick your state to see what applies.
The four enrollment windows
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
A seven-month window centered on the month you turn 65. It starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after. Most people enroll in Parts A, B, and D during this window to avoid lifetime late penalties.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
January 1 to March 31. For people who missed their IEP. Coverage starts the month after you enroll. Late penalties may apply.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 to December 7. Change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the following year. Coverage starts January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
January 1 to March 31. Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch plans once or return to Original Medicare.
Pick your state
State pages show the federal windows plus any state-specific Medigap protections.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Initial Enrollment Period?
- The Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. This is when most people first sign up for Medicare Parts A, B, and D.
- What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
- You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), with coverage starting the month after you enroll. Late enrollment penalties may apply to Part B and Part D, and they typically last for as long as you have that coverage.
- When can I switch Medicare plans?
- The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year. You can change Part C and Part D plans, with coverage starting January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets Advantage members switch plans or return to Original Medicare.
- Do enrollment dates vary by state?
- Federal enrollment windows are the same in all states. State-specific Medigap rules can give you extra switching rights, though, especially in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, and Washington.
Get your exact dates
Enter your date of birth and state to get the exact start and end dates of your enrollment windows.
Educational resource. Not legal, tax, or insurance advice.