ELECTION PERIOD RULES
ICEP
The Rule #1: Once an ICEP enrollment request is made and enrollment takes effect, the ICEP election
has been used.
The Rule #2: The enrollment period for individuals turning 65 starts 3 months before the month the
individual turns 65. Plans cannot accept enrollments any sooner.
The Rule #3: When an individual is eligible for more than one election period, the election period
hierarchy must be used to determine the election period to select on the enrollment application. An
ICEP ranks higher than a SEP and a SEP ranks higher than the AEP.
SEP
The Rule #4: Once the individual has elected a plan, the SEP ends for that individual even if the time
frame for the SEP is still in effect.
The Rule #5: If a Medicare entitlement determination is made retroactively, the SEP begins the month
the individual receives the notice of the Medicare entitlement determination and continues for two
additional months after the month the notice is received. The effective date depends on the
situation but is not earlier than the first day of the month in which the notice of the Medicare
entitlement determination is received by the individual.
The Rule #6: Beneficiaries have the right to choose a new Medicare health or drug plan. The SEP
length is determined by Medicare on a case-by-case basis, but typically ends either 1 or 2 full
months after the contract ends.
The Rule #7: The chance to join a new MAPD plan lasts for 2 full months after the month someone
moves back to the U.S.
The Rule #8: Individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid can join, switch, or drop a MAPD plan
anytime.
The Rule #9: An individual can enroll in a 5 star plan in their service area one time between December 8
and November 30.
AEP
The Rule #10: The Medicare Annual Election Period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7.
Beneficiaries can enroll, disenroll, or change MA or PDP plans.