Medicare Enrollment Timelines
There are set times during the year when you can enroll in or change your Medicare plan. Your enrollment timeline depends on whether you're enrolling in Medicare for the first time or changing your coverage.
Jump to a section:
- New to Medicare? Review enrollment timelines
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Already on Medicare? Review enrollment timelines
New to Medicare?
You have an Initial Enrollment Period. You have seven months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. This time frame includes:
- Three months before the month of your 65th birthday.
- The month of your 65th birthday.
- Three months after the month of your 65th birthday.
Understanding the right time to enroll is important. Not doing so could result in a delay in coverage, and you could face penalties later on. Here’s how you can prepare to enroll in Medicare for the first time.
6 months before birthday | Start doing research on Medicare Advantage plans. Research which companies offer Medicare coverage in your area. Decide what type of plan will best meet your health care needs. |
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5 months before birthday | Attend a community meeting about Medicare. You'll learn about what Original Medicare covers, types of Medicare Advantage plans, and why Medicare Part D is important. |
3 months before birthday | Sign up for Original Medicare. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Sign up for Medicare Advantage coverage. Make sure you apply for enrollment three months before your birthday. This ensures you don't have a gap in health care coverage. |
3 months after birthday | This month is the last month you can enroll in Original Medicare. |
Have questions about your Initial Enrollment Period?
Our licensed UPMC for Life Medicare Advisors can answer your questions and help you choose the Medicare plan that's right for you. Our team is here to give you the personal support you deserve. There are a number of ways to connect with someone in person or online to learn more about UPMC for Life. Call us toll-free at 1-844-575-8241 (TTY: 711).
How to sign up for Original Medicare
Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Original Medicare. Call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
Already on Medicare?
You can change your Medicare Advantage coverage only during certain times of the year.
Annual Election Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 |
You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, change to a Medicare Advantage plan, or change to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective Jan. 1. |
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5-Star Special Enrollment Period: Dec. 8, 2023 – Nov. 30, 2024 |
You can make ONE change to enroll in a plan that has a 5-star overall performance rating. You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan, Original Medicare, or a Part D prescription drug plan as long as the new plan has a 5-star rating. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. |
Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – March 31 |
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make ONE change to your coverage. You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. |
Lock-in Period: April 1 – Oct. 14 Dec. 8 – Dec. 31 |
You cannot make a plan change after March 31 unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or have Medical Assistance coverage. |
Next Steps
The four parts of Medicare cover various services. Learn about each of the four parts of Medicare.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient and hospital coverage. Learn more about Part A.
Contact Us
UPMC for Life MembersCall us toll-free: 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711)
Email: upmcforlifems@upmc.edu
UPMC for Life Prospective Members
Call us toll-free: 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711)
Email: upmcmedicare@upmc.edu
UPMC Health Plan
Attn: UPMC for Life
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Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Medicare Resources
This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our customer service number at 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711).
UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.
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Call us toll-free: 1-877-539-3080
TTY: 711
Oct. 1 – March 31:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April 1 – Sept. 30:
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
UPMC for Life Prospective Members
Call us toll-free: 1-866-400-5077
TTY: 711
Jan. 1 – Sept. 30:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31:
Seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.