When are you eligible for Medicare?

You're eligible for Original Medicare (Part A and B) if:

You're at least 65 years old, or you're under 65 and qualify on the basis of disability or other special situation.

AND

You're a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years.

You're eligible for Medicare Advantage if you are enrolled in Original Medicare, live in the plan's service area and do not have end-stage renal disease (some exception may apply). Special Needs Plans have other eligibility requirements.

When can you enroll?

You can enroll or change Medicare plans at least once a year. Make sure you know your enrollment period so you don't experience gaps in your coverage.

Initial Enrollment Period, you have seven months to enroll: the three months before the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and three months after your birthday month. Every year, you can add , drop or switch your coverage during Open Enrollment, October 15 - December 7. Depending on certain circumstances, such as moving out of your plan's service area or retiring and losing your employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Election Period, allowing you to enroll outside of the Initial Election Period or Open Enrollment. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment but change your mind, you can disenroll during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, January 1 - February 14, and return to Original Medicare.