Know when to enroll

We're here to help with information about the different plan types and enrollment periods.

When you turn 65, provided you are no longer working ...

If you don't know when your Medicare Part A or B coverage starts ...

If you are still working at the age of 65 (or older) ...

If your Medicare Part A or B coverage has not yet begun ...

Enrollment periods

Enroll in a Sharp Direct Advantage^® plan or make changes to your current plan during these enrollment periods.

Switch to San Diego's 5-star Medicare Advantage plan

Sharp Health Plan is accepting enrollments all year, thanks to the 5-star special enrollment period. Enjoy direct access to Sharp HealthCare and The Sharp Experience.*

* Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. You can use Medicare’s 5-star special enrollment period to switch from your current Medicare plan to a Medicare plan with a 5-star quality rating. You can use this special enrollment period only once between Dec. 8, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2023.

Annual Election Period

When: October 15–December 7

During the Annual Election Period (AEP), you can make changes to your current Medicare plan. Any enrollments or changes made during this period are effective on January 1 of the following year.

Open Enrollment

When: January 1–March 31

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period (OEP), you'll have an opportunity to:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you choose to return to Original Medicare)
Drop your stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Special Enrollment

When: Year-round

If you qualify for special enrollment, you can make changes to your coverage during the special enrollment period (SEP). Qualifying life events include:

Retiring from your job if you're over 65
Moving to a different area not covered by your plan
Losing your current coverage
When your current plan changes its contract with Medicare
Receiving extra help paying for your Medicare prescription drug coverage

Initial Enrollment Period

When: Year-round

The initial enrollment period (IEP) is when you first sign up for Medicare. There are two ways to become eligible during this period:

Eligibility by birthday

You can join during the 7-month period that runs 3 months before the month you turn 65 to 3 months after the month you turn 65
Coverage will begin the first day of the month after you enroll
If you join Medicare before you turn 65, your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65

Eligibility by disability

You can join during the 7-month period that runs 3 months before your 25th month of getting disability benefits to 3 months after your 25th month of getting disability benefits
Coverage will begin the first day of the month after you enroll
If you join during one of the 3 months before you first get Medicare, your coverage will begin the first day of your 25th month of entitlement to disability benefits

Explore our plans

Our Sharp Direct Advantage plans are designed to fit your needs and budget. High-quality care at affordable prices.

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Request an enrollment kit

Want more information? Request an enrollment kit and get started with Sharp Direct Advantage today!

Find out how

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

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Page Last Updated: 3/22/2022