Switching PDPs? There's a special time to do it.
If you're currently enrolled in a PDP and want to switch, you can pick a new plan between November 15 and December 31 every year. This is what's known as the annual enrollment period. It's the one time of year that you can switch plans; you should also know that you can only make one PDP change per year. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

One example: If you move out of the service area of your plan, you'll have the opportunity to choose another plan that serves your area. But remember, WellCare offers plans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, so be sure to call us first if you move! If you are on a limited income, you may be allowed additional opportunities to change plans.

Just turning 65? Here's when you can join.
If you're just reaching your 65th birthday (or becoming eligible for Medicare for any reason), enrollment rules are more flexible for you. Your initial enrollment period begins three months before you are eligible for Medicare and ends three months after the month that you became eligible. For most people, that means you can start enrolling in a PDP three months before your 65th birthday (when you become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B). Then, after your birthday month ends, you have another three months to enroll.

There are advantages of joining as soon as you can.
If you miss the initial enrollment period, you won't be able to join until the next annual enrollment period (again, that's always November 15 through December 31). But there are other reasons to join as soon as you can. If you miss your initial enrollment period, federal rules may require that you pay a 1% penalty in addition to your monthly premium—and no plan is allowed to waive this fee. So don't put off joining!