Medicare Enrollment Periods in Washington

When You Can Enroll or Make Changes

Medicare has several different enrollment windows, and which one applies to you depends on your situation, whether you're new to Medicare, already enrolled, or experiencing a life change. Understanding these windows can help you avoid gaps in coverage or a late enrollment penalty.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Medicare is always changing, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Every person’s needs are unique—there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. At Dabolt Insurance Agency, we work with trusted carriers to offer both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, as well as standalone Part D prescription drug coverage. Whether you’re just turning 65, already enrolled and looking to make a change, or under 65 with certain disabilities, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each fall (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) and is the main window for people already enrolled in Medicare to review their coverage and make changes, such as switching between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, changing Medicare Advantage plans, or changing Part D prescription drug plans. This is also the busiest time of year for Medicare questions, so it's worth planning ahead rather than waiting until the last week.


If it's been a while since your last review, our Annual Medicare Plan Review page explains why an annual check-in can be worthwhile.

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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, there's a separate window early each year (Jan. 1–March 31) when you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or move back to Original Medicare. This window is specifically for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan, not for first-time enrollment.

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Part B General Enrollment Section

If you didn't sign up for Medicare Part A or Part B when you were first eligible and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period gives you another opportunity to enroll each year (Jan. 1–Mar. 31). Depending on your situation, a late enrollment penalty may apply, which is worth discussing with an agent before this window arrives.

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Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

A Special Enrollment Period can open up outside the usual windows if you experience certain qualifying events, such as losing employer group health coverage, moving, or other specific circumstances. How long a Special Enrollment Period lasts and what it allows you to do depends on the qualifying event itself.


If you're still working and covered by an employer plan, our Medicare While Still Working page explains how that may affect your enrollment timing.

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Not Sure Which Enrollment Period Applies to You?

Enrollment timing can be confusing, especially if more than one situation applies to you at once. Rather than trying to figure it out alone, talk with one of our licensed Washington Medicare agents. We can help you identify which window applies to your specific situation and what your options are within it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Enrollment Periods

  • When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period this year?

    The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each fall, from October 15 through December 7. During this window, anyone already enrolled in Medicare can review and change their coverage for the upcoming year.

  • What is a Medicare Special Enrollment Period?

    A Special Enrollment Period is a window outside the usual enrollment periods that opens up because of a specific qualifying event, such as losing employer health coverage. The length and rules of a Special Enrollment Period depend on the event that triggered it.

  • What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

     If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to wait for the General Enrollment Period to sign up, and a late enrollment penalty may apply. It's worth talking with an agent as soon as possible if you think you may have missed your window.

  • Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans outside of the Annual Enrollment Period?

     If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period early each year gives you another opportunity to switch plans or return to Original Medicare, separate from the fall Annual Enrollment Period.

Let’s Talk About Your Insurance Options

Talk With a Medicare Agent About Your Enrollment Timing

You don't have to track every Medicare enrollment window on your own. Schedule a conversation with one of our licensed Washington Medicare agents, and we'll help you figure out which window applies to you and what to do next.