What is the Medicare Special Enrollment Period?Published by: ![]() There are actually two kinds of Medicare Special Enrollment Periods. A Medicare Special Enrollment Period allows you to switch plans or sign up for Medicare outside of the standard Medicare enrollment periods.
If you have Medicare: For people who already have Medicare and who experience a qualifying life event, there is a two-month Special Enrollment Period for switching a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
If you don’t yet have Medicare: For people who qualified to delay Medicare because they had creditable coverage – usually from an employer – there is an 8-month Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D.
Let’s look at each closely.
What Qualifies for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period to Switch Plans?
People who already have Medicare may qualify for a 2-month Special Enrollment Period with certain qualifying life events. This Special Enrollment Period lets you switch to a different Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
You may qualify for a 2-month Medicare Special Enrollment Period in the following situations:
Some situations not listed here may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period as well. If you have questions about your personal situation, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for help.
When Working Past 65: 8-Month Special Enrollment Period
For people who work past 65 and qualify to delay Medicare with creditable employer coverage, there is an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that allows you to enroll in Part A (if you haven’t yet), Part B , Part C and Part D without late penalties.
This Special Enrollment Period is tricky though. Why? Because while you have the whole 8 months to get Parts A & B, you only get the first 2 months to enroll in Part C or Part D without penalty. If you enroll after the two-month mark, you’ll face late enrollment penalties for Part D (regardless of whether you end up with a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage).
To qualify for the Part B Special Enrollment Period, you must have creditable employer or union health coverage based on current employment. Your Special Enrollment Period will begin eight months after your employer coverage ends or you leave your job, whichever happens first. Learn More About How to Enroll
Find out how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plan. Medicare Made Clear![]() Medicare Made Clear is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare to help make understanding Medicare easier. Click here to take advantage of more helpful tools and resources from Medicare Made Clear including downloadable worksheets and guides. Medicare Made Clear
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