Check your eligibility to start planning your coverage

Learn about Medicare open enrollment dates and who’s eligible to enroll in our plans.

 

Who is eligible for Medicare Advantage?

You are eligible to enroll in one of our plans if you:

 

Have Medicare Part A and Part B


Not enrolled in Part A and Part B?

Contact the Social Security Administration

Live in these Massachusetts counties

Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester.

Graphic showing plan service area for Massachusetts, including new coverage areas in Dukes and Nantucket counties.

 

When can you sign up for Medicare Advantage?

You can only sign up for Medicare Advantage after certain life events or during certain times of year. Learn more about the four types of enrollment periods:

You first become eligible for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

IEP is a 7-month period that typically starts 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after you turn 65.

Graphic showing IEP dates, beginning 3 months before and ending 3 months after your 65th birthday.

You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage during specific times of year.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Oct 15 - Dec 7

If you already have Medicare, during AEP you can enroll in Medicare Advantage, switch plans, or leave a plan.

Jan 1 → Coverage starts

If you enroll by December 7, your plan coverage goes into effect on Jan 1.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Jan 1 - Mar 31

If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a different Advantage plan during OEP or drop your plan and return to original Medicare.

Graphic showing OEP and AEP dates Jan 1-Mar 31 and Oct 15-Dec 7, and the Jan 1 plan effective date.

Some people qualify for Medicare Advantage coverage outside of standard enrollment periods. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) take place when certain qualifying events happen, including losing employer coverage, retiring, or moving. Learn more about all of the Medicare Special Enrollment Periods.

Some people under 65 may also qualify for Medicare based on disability. IEP for someone who qualifies based on disability begins 3 months before their 25th month of disability benefits and ends 3 months after. Learn more about Medicare eligibility based on disability.

How to verify Medicare eligibility

You can verify eligibility directly with the Social Security Administration.

Call 1-800-772-1213

TTY 1-800-325-0778

8 AM-7 PM ET, Mon-Fri

Enroll in your plan

Ready to enroll? If you’ve verified your eligibility and are within a qualifying enrollment period, you can sign up for one of our Medicare Advantage plans now. 

 

Enroll Now

Need help?


Ask a Medicare Advisor

Our dedicated Medicare Advisors can assist with any questions about eligibility or enrollment periods.

Call 855-486-3097

TTY 711

Oct 1 - Mar 31

8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Sun

Apr 1 - Sep 30

8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Fri


Frequently Asked Questions

Most people become eligible for Medicare Advantage after turning 65 and enrolling in Original Medicare (Part A and B).

Medicare is also available for some people with disabilities under 65. To qualify for this coverage, individuals need to meet specific criteria with the Social Security Administration which can be verified on their website.

You can only enroll in Medicare during specific enrollment periods, or under special circumstances. Individuals with disabilities may be able to enroll before they turn 65 and outside of standard enrollment periods. You may also be able to enroll based on certain qualifying events, including losing employer coverage or retiring.

Medicare Advantage has several enrollment periods throughout the year with different requirements for eligibility.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) typically begins 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7. You can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, switch plans, or leave a plan.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31. You can switch plans during this time or return to Original Medicare but can’t enroll in a new plan.

The IEP is slightly different for people born on the first of the month. If you were born on the 1st, your IEP begins 4 months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends 2 months after.

Example: Your birthday is June 1st. When you turn 65, your Initial Enrollment Period is February-August.

Some people under 65 may also qualify for Medicare based on disability. IEP for someone who qualifies based on disability begins 3 months before their 25th month of disability benefits and ends 3 months after. Learn more about Medicare eligibility based on disability on the Social Security Administration website.

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Check to see if your doctors and prescription medications are covered. If you have questions, we can help you make a smooth transition and continue to get the care you need.

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© 2024 Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Inc. Mass General Brigham Health Plan is an HMO-POS/PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Mass General Brigham Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers/pharmacies are included in our network.

 

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Last updated: 10/1/2024 - Pending CMS approval

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