When can I enroll?
Most people can only enroll during certain times of the year.
Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)
The ICEP is the seven-month period that begins three months before you become eligible for Medicare Part B and ends three months after your month of eligibility. During this period you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Generally, the initial coverage election period is related to an individual's 65th birthday or 25th month of disability. If you enroll during this period, your coverage begins on the 1st day of the month of entitlement to Medicare Part A and Part B— or the 1st day of the month following the month the enrollment request was made if after entitlement has occurred. This means that if you enroll during the period that relates to your 65th birthday, your coverage begins as follows:
If you enroll | Your coverage begins |
| 1-3 months before the month you turn age 65 | The first day of the month you turn age 65 |
| The month you turn age 65 | The first day of the following month |
| 1-3 months after the month you turn age 65 | The first day of the following month |
For plan year 2026, click here.
Health First Health Plans is an HMO plan with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in Health First Health Plans depends on contract renewal. Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in Health First Health Plans through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at Medicare.gov.
Y0089_EL110251_M | Accepted date: 10/01/2025
Last updated: 10/01/2025