Individuals & FamiliesMedicareMedicaidFor EmployersFor AgentsFor Providers
Medicare
Medications & PharmacyFind a Doctor
AboutContact us

Aging into Medicare

Learn what “aging into Medicare” means, when you may be eligible, the enrollment periods to know and the steps to take as you approach age 65.

Page last updated on: 7/15/26

What does “Aging into Medicare” mean?

“Aging into Medicare” refers to the process of becoming eligible for Medicare when you turn 65. For most people, this milestone marks an important transition in healthcare coverage. Understanding the steps and timelines ensures you avoid penalties and maintain continuous coverage.

Graphic information about Medicare Enrollment Periods

Step 1: Know your eligibility

Most people qualify for Medicare at age 65 if:

  • You're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • You’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (for premium-free Part A hospitalization insurance)

Step 2: Understand the enrollment periods

Knowing Medicare enrollment periods is essential to avoid late penalties, prevent gaps in coverage and keep your healthcare costs under control. Each period offers specific opportunities to sign up, switch plans or add coverage. By understanding these timelines, you can make informed decisions and ensure your plan fits your health needs and budget.

Enrollment periodWho it’s forWhen
Initial Enrollment Period, IEPPeople becoming eligible, usually at age 657 months around your 65th birthday
Annual Enrollment Period, AEPPeople reviewing or changing coverageOct. 15 – Dec. 7
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, MA OEPPeople already in a Medicare Advantage planJan. 1 – Mar. 31
Special Enrollment Period, SEPPeople who delayed Medicare due to employer coverage or qualify due to certain eventsTimeframes vary
General Enrollment Period, GEPPeople who missed IEP and don’t qualify for SEPJan. 1 – Mar. 31; coverage begins July 1

Your first chance to sign up for Medicare when you become eligible (usually at age 65).

  • When: 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birthday month, 3 months after)
  • Why it matters: Enrolling during this time helps you avoid late penalties and coverage gaps

The yearly opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage.

  • When: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year
  • What you can do: Change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans

For people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan who want to make a change.

  • When: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31
  • What you can do: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare

If you delayed Medicare because you had employer coverage, an SEP lets you enroll without late penalties after that coverage ends

When: Timeframes vary. Most SEPs last 2 months, but some (like after losing employer coverage) can give you up to 8 months. Check your exact timeframe at medicare.gov.

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the GEP lets you enroll, but penalties may apply.

When: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31 (coverage begins July 1)

Penalty risk: Late enrollment penalties may apply

Step 3: Choose your coverage

Medicare has four different parts:

  • Original Medicare Part A: Hospital coverage
  • Original Medicare Part B: Medical coverage
  • Part D: Prescription drug coverage
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Combines Parts A, B, and often D, with extra benefits.

Step 4: Compare plans and costs

Evaluate your health care needs and budget. Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage differ in coverage, provider networks and out-of-pocket costs.

Step 5: Enroll on time

Sign up for Original Medicare through Social Security or Medicare.gov during your enrollment window to avoid late penalties.

If you want additional coverage, such as a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to enroll in that as well—right after you’ve signed up for Original Medicare.

Priority Health has Medicare Advantage plans with extra benefits and local support. See why more individuals choose us than any other plan in Michigan.1

Step 6: Review Annually

Medicare isn’t “set and forget.” Each year, review your plan during Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) to ensure it still meets your needs.

Frequently asked questions

“Aging into Medicare” refers to becoming eligible for Medicare when you turn 65. It’s the transition from other health coverage to Medicare.

Most people enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

Yes, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is the time when you first become eligible for Medicare, and you have the option to:

  • Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), and
  • Choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which can include prescription drug coverage (MAPD).

Doing this during IEP ensures your coverage starts without delays and avoids late penalties.

If you miss your IEP and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 - Mar. 31), but late penalties may apply.

AEP runs from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 each year. During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan for the upcoming year.

MA OEP runs from Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 and allows people already in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with the option to add Part D).

Yes, you can review and change your plan during AEP each year to ensure it meets your needs.

AEP is for anyone with Medicare coverage to make changes, while MA OEP is only for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

You can sign up for Original Medicare through Social Security online, by phone, or in person, or visit Medicare.gov during your enrollment window. If you want additional coverage, such as a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to enroll in that as well—right after you’ve signed up for Original Medicare.

65 looks good on you

Aging into Medicare is a big milestone. Make it official by applying for Medicare and getting your coverage in place.

Shop our plansGet guided help

1 According to July 2025 monthly enrollment from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans have the highest volume of enrollments in Michigan when compared to other carriers.

2 Priority Health has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Customer Service 2025 list. Based on an independent survey of U.S. customers who have either made purchases, used services, or gathered information about products or services in the past three years.

Y0056_400040062600_M