When Can I Enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, also known as Part C, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. But, in Medicare timing is everything.
- Eligibility for Medicare Advantage requires that you’re enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- Learn about six key enrollment periods including your Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods.
- Understanding how your plan compares to your needs helps you prepare for enrollment.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Eligibility
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and your primary residence is within the service area, typically a county, that the plan covers, you are likely eligible. Part A and Part B together make up Original Medicare.
Part A is hospital coverage and Part B covers your doctor visits. Once you’re enrolled in either part you’ll receive the recognizable red, white and blue Medicare Card.
Part C Coverage Basics
Medicare Advantage plans are available through private companies that deliver Original Medicare benefits (Parts A and B), often adding extras like dental or vision. Benefits vary by plan and you must live within a plan's service area to enroll.
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The 6 Key Medicare Enrollment Periods
You can only join or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during certain times of the year, called enrollment periods. If you’d like to know when you can enroll or switch plans, this section is for you.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the seven-month window when you can first sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. For most, it’s when you turn 65 or become eligible. This period includes the three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65.
- Initial Enrollment Period for Part D (Part D IEP) is also the three months before, the month of, and three months after turning 65. This is the time you can sign up for Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs when you’re first eligible.
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plans for the next year. This timeframe is commonly known as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare plan or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is the time outside the other enrollment periods when you may make changes under certain circumstances. Moving outside your plan’s service area or losing your employer based health insurance are just a couple of examples of how you may qualify for an SEP.
- Open Enrollment Period for Institutionalized Individuals (OEPI) is available to those staying in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home. You can enroll, switch, or drop coverage at any time during your stay. This period ends two months after you leave the facility.
Start Understanding Your Needs Now
We want to help you fully understand Medicare Advantage plans so that you can make confident healthcare decisions. Don’t wait until the Open Enrollment Period to start understanding your needs.
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About the Author
The Clover Health Editorial Team creates easy-to-understand Medicare content to help people learn about their coverage and options. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed insurance experts, healthcare writers, and Clover's clinical specialists. Every article is checked for accuracy, clarity, and CMS compliance.
Sources:
- Medicare.gov: Joining a plan
- CMS.gov: Open Enrollment Fact Sheet
- Clover Health: Medicare FAQ Page
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