October 1 

You can start getting plan information for 2013 premiums and benefits. 

October 15 — December 7 

This is the Annual Election Period (AEP). During this time, you can make changes to your existing Medicare health or prescription drug plan or select a new plan for 2013.

January 1 — February 14 

This is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period. During this time, you can prospectively disenroll from your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare.

If you are turning 65:

- If you aren't getting Social Security (for instance, because you are still working), you will need to sign up for Medicare benefits. You should contact Social Security three months before you turn age 65.
- You can enroll in a Medicare plan starting three months before the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and for up to three months after your 65th birthday, for a total period of seven months.
- If you already receive Social Security benefits, you don't need to do anything. A Medicare card should automatically be sent to you about three months before you become eligible for Medicare.