If you are one of the estimated 67 million Americans over the age of 65 who get health insurance through Medicareyou are automatically eligible to make changes during the open enrollment period — which is currently underway. However, few recipients may use this period to consider their options. A study of the open registration period in 2021 found that 69% of respondents did not review their source of Medicare during that time.

The open enrollment period rolls around at the end of each year and offers Medicare Beneficiaries the greatest flexibility to change their plans, regardless of their current circumstances. This period lasts a little less than two months, and any changes you make during it will take effect in the new year.

Read on for the information you need to know about making changes to your Medicare plan, including when open enrollment ends. For more about Medicare, find out about you must register while you are still working and see how much the premiums increased this year.

When is the Medicare open enrollment period?

This year’s annual open enrollment period began on Tuesday, October 15th and runs through Saturday, December 7th. Any changes you make to your coverage during this time will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Who is eligible for Medicare open enrollment?

This year-end open enrollment period is open to anyone who currently has Medicare, either through an original Medicare plan or through a private Medicare Advantage plan. You can also use this period if, for some reason, you do not currently have a Medicare plan but are eligible for one.

The initial enrollment period for Medicare begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts three months after the month you turn 65. If you miss that window, you must use times like this open enrollment period to join.

How can you sign up for or change a Medicare plan during open enrollment?

To help you with the process of actually reviewing plans available to you, Medicare.gov functions a Compare plans in your area page. This tool lets you choose the year you want coverage for — 2025 in the case of this open enrollment period — and enter your zip code to see what plans are available to you in your area.

Once you’ve compared and reviewed your options and decided on a plan that fits your needs, Medicare.gov has laid out three methods for enrolling in the plan:

• If you use Medicare’s online search feature, you can select Enroll for the plan you want.
• You can also directly contact the company that offers that plan, either by phone or by submitting a paper form by mail. If you are looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may also be able to contact the provider or its enrollment center directly.
• Or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), or 877-486-2048 for those using teletypewriters, to go through the enrollment process over the phone.

For more, here’s when people will be able to sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance.