Eligibility Requirements

You can generally join a Medicare Advantage Plan if you meet these conditions:

• You have Part A and Part B
• You live in the plan's service area
• You don't have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) except under certain circumstances

When Can You Enroll?

You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan at these times:

• When you first become eligible for Medicare (3 months before you turn age 65 to 3 months after the month you turn age 65).
• If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability.
• Between November 15 - December 31 each year.  Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year. 
• Between January 1 - March 31 of each year.  However, you can't join or switch to a plan with prescription drug coverage during this time unless you already have Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).  You also can't drop a plan with prescription drug coverage during this period.

 

April 1 through November 14

There may be special circumstances that allow you to enroll outside of the time periods listed above, including: 

• If you move out of your plan's service area
• If you have both Medicare and Medicaid
• If you qualify for "extra help"
• If you live in an institution
• Other special circumstances (such as losing employer group coverage) 

You may contact a Customer Service Representative for additional information on what qualifies as a Special Election.  Click here for the telephone number to call.

Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with limited income and resources may qualify for special assistance. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY/TDD 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.ssa.gov; Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048 for the hearing impaired), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or your state Medicaid office for more information.