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Enrollment Timeline
Turning 65 comes with a sequence of deadlines, and missing one can cost you. Roughly: about 3 months before your birthday month, start comparing and enroll in Parts A and B; during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, choose your plan; then review every fall during the October 15–December 7 Annual Enrollment Period. Use the tool below and we'll keep you on schedule.
Your personal timeline
Give us your birth month and we'll build a simple checklist of exactly what to do and when — enroll in A and B, compare plans, pick your coverage, and set a reminder for your first annual review — so you never miss a window or a penalty deadline.
The key dates to remember
Initial Enrollment Period: the 7 months around your 65th birthday. Annual Enrollment Period: October 15–December 7 every year, for changes effective January 1. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1–March 31. Special Enrollment Periods open for life events like moving or losing coverage.
Questions, answered
How early should I start the Medicare process?
About 3 months before your 65th-birthday month. That gives time to compare plans and have coverage ready the day you're eligible.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
You could face lifelong Part B or Part D penalties and a wait for coverage. We track your dates so a missed deadline never happens — and if you had creditable coverage, a Special Enrollment Period may protect you.
When can I change my plan after I enroll?
During the Annual Enrollment Period each fall, or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in the new year. We review your plan every fall automatically.
Official Medicare sources
We point you to the federal sources so you can verify everything. For current-year figures and to compare the plans available in your area:
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government site for Medicare costs, coverage, and rules.
- Medicare Plan Compare — the official tool to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans by ZIP.
- Social Security (ssa.gov) — enroll in Medicare Parts A & B and check your eligibility.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which runs the program.
Education and estimates only — confirm current figures on Medicare.gov before enrolling. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Talk to a local Medicare advisor
Free, no pressure — we compare your options for you.
Last updated . Maintained by the Medicare On Main Data Desk · reviewed by Brian Penner, Independent Medicare advisor (NPN 16493717).