Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →
Life changes
Life changes
A job ending, a move across the county line, a death, a denied claim: each opens a window with a date. Here is the window and the first step.
Job or job-based coverage ends
- Window
- 8 months for Part B; 2 months for Part D
- What to do
- Sign up for Part B through Social Security with form CMS-L564 from the employer; choose drug coverage within two months.
Why this date?
If you or your spouse are still working and you have health coverage from that job, you can sign up for Part B later without a penalty. The window is eight months, starting the month after the job or the coverage ends — whichever comes first. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as coverage from a current job.
Source: Medicare.gov — Working past 65 · Last checked 2026-09-06
Moving to a new county or state
- Window
- 2 months after the move (or the month before, if the plan is told in advance)
- What to do
- Tell the plan; if the new address is outside its service area, pick a new plan or return to Original Medicare.
Why this date?
After the first year, this is when anyone with Medicare can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following January.
Source: Medicare.gov — Joining a plan · Last checked 2026-09-06
Retirement, a death, divorce or lost pension lowered income
- Window
- Any time the higher premium applies
- What to do
- File form SSA-44 with Social Security so the current year's income is used.
Why this date?
Part B and Part D premiums are set from the tax return two years back. If income dropped because of retirement, a death, divorce or a lost pension, Social Security can use the current year instead — form SSA-44.
Source: SSA — Medicare premiums: rules for higher-income beneficiaries · Last checked 2026-09-06
Gained or lost Medi-Cal or Extra Help
- Window
- A Special Enrollment Period, usually 3 months from the change
- What to do
- Review drug coverage; costs and available plans change with the program status.
Why this date?
Extra Help lowers Part D costs and is applied for through Social Security. Medicare Savings Programs help with Part B premiums and sometimes more, and are applied for through the state Medicaid office (Medi-Cal in California). Both look at income and resources; this site does not screen for them.
Source: SSA — Extra Help · Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs · Last checked 2026-09-06
A claim, service or drug was denied
- Window
- The deadline printed on the denial notice (120 days for Original Medicare)
- What to do
- Ask for a redetermination in writing; HICAP counselors help with appeals for free.
Why this date?
Original Medicare gives 120 days from the notice to ask for a redetermination; Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have their own timelines, printed on the denial. Free HICAP counselors help with appeals.
Source: Medicare.gov — Appeals · Last checked 2026-09-06
Your birthday, if you already have Medigap
- Window
- 60 days from the birthday, every year
- What to do
- Compare Medigap policies with equal or lesser benefits; no health questions in this window.
Why this date?
Each year, starting on your birthday, you have 60 days to switch to another Medigap policy with equal or lesser benefits, from any company, without health questions.
Source: California Department of Insurance — Medicare Supplement · Last checked 2026-09-06
Free help in Riverside County
Riverside County HICAP
Free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling through the Riverside County Office on Aging. Not affiliated with any plan or agent.
English · Español · + interpreters
Riverside County Office on Aging
Information and referral for older adults and caregivers across the county, from the Coachella Valley to the Riverside metro area.
English · Español · + interpreters
California HICAP statewide line
The state's Medicare counseling program. The statewide number routes you to the office for your county.
English · Español