Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment Periods in North Carolina
Who is eligible for Medicare
You are eligible at age 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with sufficient residency. People under 65 can qualify with certain disabilities or specific conditions. Eligibility is federal, so North Carolina follows the same rules. Security Plus Inc. confirms your dates and the best path if you are still working in the Charlotte area or retiring near Lake Norman.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday. Enrolling on time prevents delays and helps you avoid penalties. If you have employer coverage, we verify whether it is considered creditable and how to time a smooth transition to Medicare.
Annual Enrollment Period each fall
The Annual Enrollment Period runs in the fall for changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D for the coming year. Plans adjust premiums, drug lists and network details, so it is a smart time to compare options for doctors and pharmacies in Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson and Mooresville. For a refresher on the plan choices you can make during this window, review Medicare Insurance Plans before you switch.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment at the start of the year
From January through March, people already on a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one time change or return to Original Medicare with a Part D plan. This period does not apply if you have Original Medicare without Advantage. We help you decide whether a change makes sense based on new prescriptions or updated provider access.
Special Enrollment Periods for life changes
Special Enrollment Periods occur when life events change your coverage. Common examples include retiring after 65 and losing employer coverage, moving into a new service area in North Carolina, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or plan changes that affect your access. Timing rules vary, so we confirm your window and paperwork. If you need a quick overview of forms and tools, visit our Medicare resources and FAQs for links you can use right away.
Understanding late enrollment penalties
Delaying Part B without creditable coverage can increase your premium permanently. Part D also applies a penalty if you go without creditable drug coverage for a period of time. We explain how to avoid penalties and help you document employer coverage if you worked past 65.
Trial rights and changing paths
If you try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and decide it is not a fit within the first year, special rules may allow you to move to a Medicare Supplement without medical underwriting. We discuss how these rights work in North Carolina and what timelines apply.