The answer
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Most people can first enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, a seven-month window around your 65th birthday that starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes that month, and ends three months after.
If you miss it, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 each year for Part A and Part B. After you have Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 (2026) lets you change Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, with changes effective January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 (2026) lets people already in a Medicare Advantage plan switch once. Special Enrollment Periods may also apply after certain life events, like losing job coverage. To review which window fits you, reach out to a licensed Goodsurance advisor at 1-888-301-8091 (TTY 711), Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm PT.