Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)
Your first opportunity to enroll in a Part D plan. The ICEP runs for the same 7-month window as your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period - 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after. If you're enrolling in Part D due to disability, your ICEP begins 3 months before your 25th month of disability benefits.
Enroll during the first 3 months of your ICEP for the earliest possible coverage start date. Enrolling in the last 3 months may delay your coverage start.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The main window to make changes to your Part D coverage each year. Runs October 15 – December 7. During AEP you can:
- Enroll in a Part D plan for the first time (if you missed your ICEP)
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
- Drop a Part D plan (not recommended unless you have other creditable coverage)
- Switch from Original Medicare + Part D to Medicare Advantage with drug coverage
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
January 1 – March 31 each year. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or drop MA and return to Original Medicare (and enroll in a standalone Part D plan). This period does not allow you to enroll in a Part D plan if you're already on Original Medicare without drug coverage.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events trigger a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to make Part D changes outside the standard windows:
- Moving out of your plan's service area
- Losing other creditable drug coverage (employer plan, TRICARE, VA)
- Qualifying for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)
- Moving into or out of a long-term care facility
- Your plan loses its contract with Medicare
- Gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility