—The concurrent enrollment periods run from January 1 to March 31—

New York, NY—Two key Medicare enrollment periods are currently underway, giving people with Medicare time-limited opportunities to review and change their coverage.

“When enrollment periods overlap, even well-informed beneficiaries can struggle to understand which options apply to them,” said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “We see firsthand how a lack of knowledge and notice around Medicare rules can lead to missed opportunities, unexpected costs, or permanent penalties. Getting accurate, unbiased guidance at the right time can make a meaningful difference in someone’s health coverage and financial security.”

Through March 31, people who missed their initial chance to enroll in Medicare may sign up for Parts A and/or B through the General Enrollment Period. During the same time frame, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to make a one-time change to their coverage. Any changes made during these enrollment periods take effect on the first day of the following month.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 for people who did not enroll in Medicare Part A or B when first eligible and who do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage obtained through the GEP begins on the first day of the following month.

People who delayed enrolling in Part B may face a permanent late enrollment penalty unless they had coverage through current employment or qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability will no longer be subject to the penalty once they turn 65.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

The MA OEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year and applies only to people currently in an MA plan (excluding those enrolled in Medical Savings Accounts, cost plans, or Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). During this time, beneficiaries may make a single change to their coverage, including:

• Switching to another MA plan, with or without drug coverage; or
• Leaving an MA plan and returning to Original Medicare, with or without a stand-alone Part D plan.

Changes made during the MA OEP take effect on the first day of the following month. For example, a change made in February begins on March 1.

People can enroll in a new plan through the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Using official Medicare enrollment tools helps protect beneficiaries if plan information is inaccurate. In 2026, people who enroll through Plan Finder may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if they relied on incorrectly listed provider network information.

People leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare may also want to explore Medigap coverage, which helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility to buy a Medigap policy depends on federal and state rules, and outside of protected enrollment periods, insurers may deny coverage, charge higher premiums, or impose waiting periods.

Help Is Available

Free, confidential, and unbiased Medicare counseling is available through the Medicare Rights Center national helpline at 800-333-4114, which serves beneficiaries, caregivers, and professionals nationwide. Trained counselors help people understand their Medicare options, enrollment rules, and rights so they can make informed coverage decisions.

In addition to live counseling, Medicare Rights Center offers extensive online tools and educational resources through Medicare Interactive, a trusted Medicare information website used by individuals and professionals alike. Beneficiaries, caregivers, and professionals can learn more about these enrollment periods and explore their coverage options by visiting www.medicareinteractive.org. 

People can also access free enrollment assistance through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) nationwide.