Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

October 15-December 7 — Medicare coverage changes are permitted. This is a crucial time to focus on growing your Medicare business because it’s when most beneficiaries are actively seeking guidance.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

January 1 to March 31 — Medicare Advantage coverage changes are permitted. OEP is a great time to reach Medicare Advantage enrollees who might need help finding a better fit for their needs, especially since they can make changes to their plan without having to wait for the next AEP.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

3 months prior to 65th Birthday — IEP is the 7-month period when someone can first sign up for Medicare. As the first chance to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, a person’s IEP begins 3 months before their 65th birthday, includes their birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

Reach out to this audience early — up to 6 months prior to their 65th birthday — by offering Medicare seminars or one-on-one consultations can help guide them through the complex decision-making process. Agents who position themselves as trusted advisors now can build a strong long-term client relationship, as they will likely need ongoing support with their Medicare decisions each year.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Triggered by Qualifying Events — A person can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug coverage when certain events happen, like moving to a new location, losing employer-sponsored insurance, or qualifying for Medicaid. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods. The types of changes allowed, and the timing depend on the qualifying event.

SEPs provide a valuable opportunity to assist beneficiaries during time-sensitive life transitions. With personalized guidance, agents can help highly motivated individuals navigate their options and act quickly. SEPs offer an excellent opportunity to boost sales throughout the year because agents can potentially close sales faster than during standard enrollment periods.