INITIAL OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD AT AGE 65:

A one-time-only six month period when you can buy any Medigap policy you want that is sold in your state. It starts in the first month that you are covered under Medicare Part B and you are age 65 or older. During this period, you can’t be denied coverage or charged more due to past or present health problems.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD AT AGES YOUNGER THAN 65:

In California, if you are younger than 65 years of age and entitled to Medicare because of a disability, you have an Open Enrollment period. This period is for six months after you first sign up for Medicare Part B. (However, this right does NOT apply to people who have permanent kidney failure known as End Stage Renal Disease or ESRD.) If you receive a notice from a government agency that your Medicare benefits began some time ago, then your Open Enrollment period begins on the date of that federal notice. It is a good idea to apply for a Medigap policy early so it will take effect on the same day as your Part B benefits.

ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD:

You can only disenroll or switch plans once per year during the Annual Election Period (AEP) (November 15 - December 31 of each year for benefits that begin the following January).