Are you eligible for Medicare?
You are eligible for Medicare if you meet one of these requirements:
- You are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. for five years prior to applying.
- You are under 65 but have received disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months or received certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months.
- You have a diagnosed end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), regardless of age.
Learn more about Medicare eligibility.
When to enroll in Medicare
You have four opportunities to enroll in Medicare:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your IEP starts three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your 65th birthday month and continues three months after. During the seven-month IEP, you can enroll in any part of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D.
Infographic showing a 7‑month Medicare enrollment window that begins three months before a person’s 65th birthday month, includes the 65th birthday month, and ends three months after the 65th birthday month.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Review all your Medicare coverage options to make sure you have the plan that’s right for you.
AEP occurs every year Oct. 15-Dec. 7. During AEP, you can add, change or drop a Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drug) plan. During AEP, you can also enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) for coverage starting Jan. 1.
Infographic showing Medicare enrollment dates. Individuals can enroll between October 15 and December 7, with coverage beginning on January 1.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can consider different coverage, like Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan.
OEP occurs Jan.1-March 31 each year. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you can make a one-time change to another Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare during this time. If you choose to enroll in Original Medicare, you can add a Medicare supplement or prescription drug plan during OEP.
Infographic showing a Medicare enrollment period from January 1 through March 31. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following any plan changes made during that enrollment period.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may qualify to enroll or change your plan outside of IEP, AEP or OEP if you experience a certain life event, like:
- You move outside your plan's service area.
- You lose your employer or union coverage.
- Your insurance company cancels your health plan.
How to enroll in Medicare
Here’s how to enroll in Medicare when you become eligible for coverage. You must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first before enrolling in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement coverage.
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B
Online: Visit Social Security online and follow the instructions.
By phone: Call the Social Security National Customer Hotline.
1-800-772-1213 8 a.m.-7 p.m., local time, Monday through Friday.
In person: Visit your local Social Security office.
Enroll in Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
By phone: Call to connect with a Wellmark expert.
1-877-358-3174 8 a.m.-5 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday
We’re here to help.
In most cases, Medicare Supplement plan will automatically renew each year. But it’s a good idea to review your plan each year to make sure it still meets your coverage needs and budget.
Medicare Supplement plan changes can be requested at any time during the year. Depending on the change, you may need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Disclosures
H5900_26WMAHPEnroll_C FVNR 0926
Last updated: 10/1/2026
MedicareBlue SupplementSM plans presented on this page are specific to Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota and can only be purchased by Iowa and South Dakota residents. Enrollment and coverage in a MedicareBlue Supplement insurance plan is with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. MedicareBlue Supplement insurance plans and the Blue365® member discount program are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
This is a solicitation of insurance.
The policies listed above have exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call your producer or Wellmark.