Skip to content

Enrollment Periods for 2026Medicare 65+ 10/15-12/7 - Connect for Health

Logo of Kelmeg & Associates, Inc. with a blue shield and blue lettering
Young advisor going over Medicare options on a laptop with a woman in her seventies

Medicare help

Colorado Medicare Plans Made Simple

Turning 65 or reviewing coverage? We'll help you compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
  • Local Colorado brokers (Broomfield office, statewide service)
  • Side-by-side plan comparisons (costs, networks, pharmacies, formularies)
  • Clear guidance on enrollment timing and next steps
  • Support beyond enrollment (questions, changes, renewals)

Start here

Choose the situation that matches you best

New to Medicare (turning 65)

Original Medicare basics, your choices for additional coverage, and enrollment timing.

Reviewing a current plan

Confirm your doctors, prescriptions, and total annual cost, then compare alternatives.

Prescription drug costs (Part D)

Formularies, preferred pharmacies, and how to compare true medication cost.

Provider access is your priority

Networks (HMO/PPO), referrals, and how to check that your doctors are covered.

Your Medicare roadmap (A, B, then choose your path)

Medicare has Parts. Most people start with Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). Then you choose how to get additional coverage for drugs and out-of-pocket costs.

Older Colorado couple discussing Medicare coverage

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Covers hospital stays and related services. Eligibility varies; most people qualify through work history.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers doctors, outpatient care, preventive services, and more.

Path A: Medicare Advantage (Part C)

A private plan alternative that bundles A + B, often including Part D and extra benefits.

Path B: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Pair Original Medicare with a Supplement policy for cost protection and add a separate drug plan.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): an all-in-one alternative

Who it can fit best

  • People who prefer a bundled plan and may value extra benefits
  • People comfortable using plan networks and plan rules

What to compare

  • HMO vs PPO network structure
  • Your doctors and hospitals in-network
  • Prescription coverage (if included)
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximum
  • Copays and coinsurance for the services you actually use
  • Extra benefits if offered: dental, vision, hearing, fitness (varies)

Medigap (Medicare Supplement): help with out-of-pocket costs

Who it can fit best

  • People who prioritize broad provider access
  • People who want predictable cost protection alongside Original Medicare

What to compare

  • Plan letter options (availability depends on eligibility and timing)
  • Monthly premium vs expected out-of-pocket exposure
  • Underwriting rules, which may apply depending on when you enroll

With a Medigap policy, prescription coverage is typically handled through a separate Part D plan.

Part D: prescription drug plans

Part D plans can differ widely in what they cover and what you pay at your pharmacy.

What we check

  • Your medication list (name, dosage, frequency)
  • Formulary coverage and medication tiers
  • Preferred pharmacies and mail-order options
  • Total estimated annual cost (not just premium)

Doctors + network checklist (before you choose)

  • List the doctors you want to keep
  • Confirm the hospitals and specialists you may need
  • Verify network status (in-network vs out-of-network)
  • Confirm referral rules (HMO vs PPO)
  • Confirm travel coverage expectations, especially if you travel frequently

Medicare enrollment periods (and when you can change plans)

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Generally starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Typically Oct 15 - Dec 7 each year. Changes generally take effect Jan 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)

Typically Jan 1 - Mar 31, only if you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Typically Jan 1 - Mar 31 for people who missed IEP and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Penalties may apply.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Timing varies based on qualifying events such as moving, losing coverage, or certain plan changes.

What to have ready for your Medicare consult

  • Your zip code and county
  • Your Medicare card (if you have it)
  • Doctors you want to keep
  • Prescription list + dosages
  • Preferred pharmacies
  • Your priorities (low premium vs low out-of-pocket vs provider flexibility)

Why work with Kelmeg & Associates?

Local Colorado team

Clear, no-pressure guidance from a Broomfield-based office serving Medicare beneficiaries across Colorado.

Plain-English comparisons

Plan tradeoffs explained without jargon so you can decide with confidence.

Help beyond enrollment

We stay available when questions, changes, or renewals come up.

Related reading: our Medicare and health insurance guides, plus supplemental coverage options that pair with Medicare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medicare Advantage better than Medigap?

It depends on your priorities (provider access, predictable costs, travel, and what benefits you value). We'll help you compare tradeoffs using your doctors and prescriptions.

Do I need Part D if I choose Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, but not all. If you choose Original Medicare, you typically add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.

Can I change my plan later?

Yes, but timing matters. There are annual enrollment periods and special circumstances that allow changes.

What's the fastest way to compare plans?

Have your doctors list, prescriptions (with dosages), and preferred pharmacies ready so we can compare total annual cost and access.

Do you help after I enroll?

Yes. Many clients want support with questions, changes, and renewals.

Book your Medicare consult

Get clear answers and a confident next step.

Important information

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent Kelmeg & Associates, Inc. organizations which offer Medical products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. For free, unbiased counseling, you can contact Colorado SHIP at 1-888-696-7213.

Information on this page is for general guidance and isn't medical or legal advice. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by county, carrier, and plan. Questions? Call (303) 466-9575.