Clear up any confusion about when you can make changes to your Medicare plans. Below are some key dates for Medicare Beneficiaries for 2025.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
During the MA OEP you can make changes only if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare, with or without drug coverage. You cannot make any changes if you have Original Medicare.

General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
If you did not enroll in Medicare you can sign up for Part B from January 1 to March 31. Signing up through the GEP means you will likely have to pay a Part B premium penalty.

Annual Notice of Change
September
Private plans are required to send a notice each fall if there will be any changes in cost, coverage, or service area. These changes go into effect in January of the coming year.

Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans begin accepting applications for the upcoming year. The annual enrollment period ends December 7 and new plans go into effect January 1.

Flu Season
November – April
Medicare Part B covers 100 percent of the cost of a flu shot once ever flu season with no Part B deductible required.

Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months
The seven-month period including the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare. If you have health insurance through your job, you can enroll in Medicare Part A as this will likely have no cost to you.

Special Enrollment Periods
It is possible to make changes to your Medicare plans at other times during the year. You may qualify for a special enrollment period due to qualifying circumstances. Here are a few examples: losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

Contact your local licensed health insurance professional to ensure you qualify for enrollment periods or if you have any questions.

Adapted from an article by Medicare Interactive.

This article is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation. Talk with a licensed Health Insurance Professional about your specific circumstances. For more information you can go to The Texas Department of Insurance.