If you miss the right time to enroll, your coverage may be delayed, or you could face penalties later on. And that may end up costing you more. Here are the key enrollment periods you need to know:

1. Initial Enrollment Period

Congratulations, you’re turning 65! Now you can enroll in a Medicare plan. You have a seven-month window to join during this period — from three months before the month you turn 65, through your birthday month and three months after the month you turn 65. During this time, you can:

• Enroll in Medicare (Parts A and B) – contact Social Security to learn more
• Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)

If you don’t sign up for Medicare Parts A and B or Part D when you’re first eligible, you could face penalties in the form of higher premiums.
Tip: If you’re already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

2. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

If you’re looking to supplement your Original Medicare coverage to help with additional costs, the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan is during the six-month enrollment period that starts the first day of the month you turn 65 — as long as you have signed up for Medicare Part B.

If you don’t sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan during this Open Enrollment Period, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement plan. Unless you have a guaranteed issue right, you may be required to answer medical questions in order to qualify for coverage.

3. General Enrollment Period

You can also sign up for Part A and/or Part B between January 1 and March 31 each year if both of these conditions apply:

• You didn't sign up when you were first eligible.
• You aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (see below).

Your coverage will start July 1. And you may be subject to penalties.

4. Annual Enrollment Period

Anyone can make changes to their coverage and enroll in a Medicare plan each year, from October 15 to December 7.

• If you’re in Original Medicare, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan — or vice versa.
• You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to one without — or vice versa.
• You can join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan.
• You can also update your coverage by switching to a new plan from your current insurer or switching to a new insurer.

If you choose to make a change during the Annual Enrollment Period, your new coverage won’t begin until January 1.
Tip: If you’re happy with your current coverage, you’re not required to make a change. In most cases, your current Medicare plan will automatically renew on January 1.

5. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

This period takes place from January 1 through March 31 annually. It allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make a one-time election to go to either another Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare.
In either case, your new coverage will start on the first day of the month following the month you make a change.
Tip: If you go back to Original Medicare, you can also add a Medicare Supplement plan. However, unless you’re still within the six-month Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period, the insurance companies are no longer required to accept your Medicare Supplement plan application. Medicare Advantage plans can only be purchased from private insurers, such as Aetna. Medicare Advantage plans may also include prescription drug coverage.

6. Special Enrollment Period

In situations like the ones below, you may be able to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan outside the basic enrollment periods.
Moving out of your plan’s service area

• If you tell your plan before you move: You can switch starting the month before you move and two months after you move.
• If you tell your plan after you move: You can switch from the moment you notify your plan through the next two months.

Losing your current health care or prescription drug coverage
For example, you may lose your current coverage when you leave your job. You have two months after you lose your coverage to sign up for a new plan. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you sign up.

Qualifying for financial assistance with Medicare costs

You can sign up once per calendar quarter during the first nine months of the year. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you qualify or ask to join a new plan. .
You can also switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan or 5-star Medicare prescription drug plan once a year, from December 8 to November 30 of the next year.
The Medicare Star Ratings is an independent ratings system that allows consumers to evaluate plan performance on a number of factors. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created these star ratings for consumers.
Health insurance companies strive to make sure their Medicare plans are high quality and achieve at least four stars.
Once you’ve picked the enrollment period that fits your situation, you can sign up for a plan that’s right for you. Read on for a checklist of the items you’ll need to proceed.