Agent Reference
Medicare Enrollment Calendar for Agents
The Medicare enrollment windows that set the rhythm of an agent's year — AEP, OEP, IEP, and SEPs — and what each one means for your pipeline and workload.
The Rhythm
Your year runs on these windows
Medicare's enrollment periods shape when people can buy, switch, or drop coverage — which means they shape when you're busiest and where your income comes from. The timeline below is the same one we show clients; the notes underneath translate each window into what it means for an agent.
Medicare's key enrollment windows
When you can enroll or switch plans
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7 months around your 65th birthday
Starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes it, and runs 3 months after.
General Enrollment Period
Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year
For those who missed their IEP; coverage begins the month after you enroll.
Medicare Open Enrollment (AEP)
Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year
Join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans; changes take effect Jan 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, make one change.
Source: Medicare.gov enrollment periods (Initial, General, and Open Enrollment).
What Each Window Means for You
AEP, OEP, IEP, and SEPs — an agent's view
AEP — Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
The year's sprint. Anyone on Medicare can change Advantage or Part D plans for next year, so this is when the most reviews and switches happen. Prep your book and certifications early so you can ride it smoothly.
OEP — MA Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
Current Medicare Advantage members can make one change. A steadier follow-up window for clients who want to adjust after AEP.
IEP — Initial Enrollment Period (around turning 65)
People aging into Medicare enroll on a rolling, predictable schedule. This is your year-round Turning-65 (T65) pipeline — the antidote to living or dying by AEP.
SEPs — Special Enrollment Periods (life events)
Moving, losing employer coverage, a plan leaving the area, and other qualifying events open enrollment windows all year. Being available for SEP situations keeps business flowing between peaks.
Plan Around It
How top agents use the calendar
- 1Finish AHIP and carrier certifications before AEP — not during it.
- 2Work the T65 pipeline continuously so new business isn't seasonal.
- 3Stay reachable for SEP situations year-round.
- 4Plan workload and cash flow around the fall peak.
For the deeper strategy, read How Enrollment Periods Shape an Agent's Year
Want a practice that's busy year-round?
We keep agents productive well beyond AEP — with a T65 pipeline, SEP referrals, and support that doesn't disappear in the spring.