Is Part C enrollment voluntary or automatic?

Is enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan automatic or do I need to enroll directly with the plan

When you first sign up for Medicare, the Social Security Administration (which handles Medicare enrollment) automatically enrolls you in the original Medicare program. If you prefer to be in a private Medicare Advantage managed care plan (such as an HMO or PPO) you can join one during these time frames: Your initial enrollment period (IEP), which runs for seven months, of which the fourth is the month of your 65th birthday A special enrollment period (SEP), which you’re entitled to if you delay Part B enrollment beyond age 65 because you have health insurance from an employer for which you or your spouse actively works The annual open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year) when you can switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another A general enrollment period (Jan. 1 to March 31 each year), if you missed your deadline for signing up for Medicare during your IEP or an SEP. In this situation Medicare coverage will not begin until July 1 of the same year in which you enroll. You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during April, May or June to begin receiving coverage under it on July 1. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in your area by using the online plan-finder program on Medicare’s website, at . Or you can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048) for contact information.

Search Medicare Q& A

Find the content you are looking for by entering in search terms below.

MEDICARE MADE EASY

Today' s Topics

Select All

Latest Health News

Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.