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Home > Glossary > special election period

special election period

What is a special election period?

special election period infographic

What is a special election period?

A special election period, also known as a special enrollment period, is a period during which Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage outside of the normal annual open enrollment period and after their initial enrollment period has ended.

A special election period will be triggered by a qualifying event, which can include a move from the area covered by a recipient’s existing Medicare plan, loss of other coverage, a violation of policy terms by a plan provider or other reasons approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

There are special election periods for Medigap as well (known as “guaranteed issue rights”), but they’re more limited, and Medigap does not have an annual open enrollment period.

Learn more in our full overview of special enrollment periods that apply to various types of Medicare coverage.

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How soon after I enroll will my Medicare benefits begin?

How soon after I enroll will my Medicare benefits begin?

Medicare beneficiaries need to know when their plan will be effective so they can avoid coverage gaps that could leave them without access to care they need.

2026 coverage: Medicare enrollment dates at a glance

2026 coverage: Medicare enrollment dates at a glance

Beyond your initial opportunity to enroll in Medicare plans, the federal government provides other windows for enrollment and plan changes each year.

Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage for 2025?

Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage for 2025?

Even after Open Enrollment has ended, some people may find that they can enroll in Medicare or make changes to their coverage due to their circumstances or a qualifying life event.

How soon after I enroll will my Medicare benefits begin?

How soon after I enroll will my Medicare benefits begin?

Medicare beneficiaries need to know when their plan will be effective so they can avoid coverage gaps that could leave them without access to care they need.

2026 coverage: Medicare enrollment dates at a glance

2026 coverage: Medicare enrollment dates at a glance

Beyond your initial opportunity to enroll in Medicare plans, the federal government provides other windows for enrollment and plan changes each year.

Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage for 2025?

Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage for 2025?

Even after Open Enrollment has ended, some people may find that they can enroll in Medicare or make changes to their coverage due to their circumstances or a qualifying life event.