How to Apply for Medicare Advantage Plans
Eligibility Requirements
Before you can apply for Medicare Advantage, you must first meet Medicare eligibility qualifications. Generally, you become eligible at age 65. However, individuals younger than 65 with certain disabilities or conditions-such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)-may also qualify. Being eligible requires legal residency in the United States for at least five years. You must already be enrolled or eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. Both of these components are critical because Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C) are offered through private insurers but are regulated by Medicare.
Your eligibility is not only age or health condition dependent. Residency in the service area of the specific Medicare Advantage plan you desire is necessary. Each plan serves a certain geographic region-if you move or travel extensively, you’ll need to confirm continued coverage or switch plans.
Importantly, eligibility may differ from other Medicare policies such as those related to supplement plans. For example, those interested in supplemental insurance can compare Louisiana Medicare Supplement Plan Options for 2025 for more details about eligibility and options unique to Medigap.
Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window starting three months before, including, and extending three months after the month you turn 65. During this period, you may enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. If you’re already drawing Social Security at 65, you auto-enroll in Parts A and B and can select a Medicare Advantage plan during IEP.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 every year. You can enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP. Your choices include switching between Medicare Advantage plans, moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or making changes to your prescription drug plan. Adjustments made during this window take effect the following January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
From January 1 to March 31 annually, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage to switch plans or revert to Original Medicare. Unlike AEP, you can only make one switch during this period. If you switch to Original Medicare during this time, you can also add or change your Part D coverage.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Special Enrollment Periods are available for individuals experiencing certain life events, like moving out of a plan’s area or losing current coverage. For example, if your plan is discontinued, a SEP runs from December 8, 2025, to February 28, 2026, to help you find new coverage. Other qualifying events might include qualifying for Medicaid, being released from jail, or certain changes in your plan’s contract.
5-Star Plan Enrollment
If a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan is available in your area, you may switch to it once between December 8 and November 30 of the following year. 5-star ratings denote the highest quality according to Medicare’s annual plan evaluations, offering a special opportunity outside other periods. Review all available plan ratings during your comparison process.
Application Methods
Online Enrollment
The quickest and most convenient method is Medicare Advantage online enrollment. Use the official Medicare.gov website or a private insurer’s portal, such as Aetna’s, to use plan comparison tools. These platforms guide you step-by-step: enter your ZIP code, select preferences, compare available plans, and submit your application-all in one session. If you need assistance, you can engage representatives via live chat or phone.
Phone Enrollment
For those preferring a personal touch, call a licensed broker or plan representative. Over the phone, you can discuss plan details, confirm eligibility, and complete your Medicare Advantage application in about 20 minutes. There’s no obligation to enroll during the call-you can request more information or schedule additional calls as needed.
Mail or Fax Enrollment
Paper applications remain popular with many seniors. Plans like Aetna will mail or fax an enrollment kit at your request. Complete the forms at your own pace and return them by mail or fax. Be sure to send forms so they arrive before your enrollment period ends. Paper enrollment is ideal for those who prefer reviewing forms offline or discussing with loved ones before submission.
Enrollment via Medicare.gov
Medicare’s Plan Finder tool (Medicare.gov/plan-compare) allows you to research, compare, and directly enroll in plans nationwide. Contacting Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE also connects you with assistance for plan selection and application completion.
Direct Enrollment with the Plan
You can apply through a plan’s website or by calling the plan provider directly to request enrollment materials. If you want to use a paper form, the provider must receive it before your specific enrollment window closes, ensuring your choice is processed promptly.
When making decisions about plan types and details, it’s helpful to understand coverage differences. For example, to learn what equipment is covered, review What Part of Medicare Covers Durable Medical Equipment?.
Information to Have Ready
Enrollment requires specific information to confirm your eligibility and process your application efficiently. Before you start, gather:
- Your Medicare number (as printed on your Medicare card)
- Effective dates for Part A and Part B coverage
- Payment method details for premiums (bank, credit, or debit card information)
For better plan selection and comparison, also have:
- A current list of your medications and dosages
- Your preferred doctors’ full names and clinic locations
- Details of current Medicare coverage-monthly premium, out-of-pocket limits, and coverage features
Being organized reduces errors and avoids missed deadlines. If you are considering supplement plans, it pays to read about the Free Look Period for Medicare Supplement Policies Explained so you understand all your options before finalizing an application.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
The official Medicare Plan Finder offers a user-friendly pathway to apply for Medicare Advantage:
- Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare and access the Plan Finder tool
- Enter your ZIP code and select your county
- Choose “Medicare Advantage Plan” from the list of plan types
- Indicate if you receive help with medical expenses (e.g., Medicaid, Extra Help)
- Add your prescription medications and dosages for accurate cost estimates
- Choose up to five preferred pharmacies where you fill your prescriptions
- Review available plans by benefits, costs, and network providers
- Select the plan that fits your needs and complete the enrollment application online
Throughout the process, you’ll receive guided prompts and can save your progress or request assistance. Many platforms now provide automatic document verification and email confirmations for your records.
Next Steps After Enrollment
After submitting a Medicare Advantage application, your coverage typically begins on the first day of the month following approval-exact timing depends on when your application was submitted within your enrollment window. Here’s what to do once accepted:
- Review your plan’s member documents and summary of benefits to understand coverage details and any new requirements
- Notify your primary care provider and specialists about your new plan and provide updated insurance information
- Ensure all preferred pharmacies, and critical healthcare providers are in-network with your new plan to avoid unexpected costs
- Set up automatic payments for premiums, if desired, using your payment information on file
- Note your plan’s effective date and track any changes to your coverage versus previous plans
If you enrolled during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and are dissatisfied, you’re allowed to switch to a different plan or revert to Original Medicare during the same window. However, those who began the year with Original Medicare cannot use this period to move to a Medicare Advantage plan-they must wait for AEP. For prescription drug coverage updates alongside these changes, visit information about Medicare Part D for detailed guidance.
