- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the most commonly used enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans can be purchased during the Initial Enrollment Period, which is the three months before you turn 65, the month you
turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65 (seven months total) - Annual Election Period* (AEP) – From October 15th to December 7th annually. The annual election period is when Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries may enroll, dis-enroll, switch Advantage plans, add prescription drug coverage or simply return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B. AEP is from October 15th through December 7th annually.
- Special Election Period (SEP) – Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with certain situations are allowed an enrollment period that is different than the usual enrollment periods.
The Annual Election Period is also referred to as the Annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP)