What effective date should I put on the application if I submit it today?
The effective date depends on which election period the enrollment falls under and, for initial enrollments, on the individual's Part A/B entitlement date — the excerpts give the general rule for each case.
Initial coverage election period (MA) / Initial enrollment period (Part D):
“If made prior to the month of entitlement to both Part A and Part B, it is effective as of the first day of the month of entitlement to both Part A and Part B.”
“If made during or after the month of entitlement to both Part A and Part B, it is effective the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the election is made.”
“An enrollment made prior to the month of entitlement to Part A or enrollment in Part B is effective the first day of the month the individual is entitled to or enrolled in Part A or enrolled in Part B.”
“Except as otherwise provided under § 423.34(f), an enrollment made during or after the month of entitlement to Part A or enrollment in Part B is effective the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the enrollment in Part D is made.”
Annual coordinated election period (AEP):
“For an election or change of election made during the annual coordinated election period as described in § 422.62(a)(2)(i), coverage is effective as of the first day of the following calendar year except that for the annual coordinated election period described in § 422.62(a)(2)(ii), elections made after December 31, 2005 through May 15, 2006 are effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is made.”
“Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, for an enrollment or change of enrollment in Part D made during an annual coordinated election period as described in § 423.38(b), the coverage or change in coverage is effective as of the first day of the following calendar year.”
Special election period (SEP):
“For an election or change of election made during a special election period as described in § 422.62(b), the coverage or change in coverage is effective the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the election is made, unless otherwise noted.”
“For an enrollment or change of enrollment in Part D made during a special enrollment period specified in § 423.38(c), the coverage or change in coverage is effective the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the election is made, unless otherwise noted.”
The facts that decide which case applies: which election period the enrollment is being made under (ICEP/IEP, AEP, or an SEP), and, if it's the initial period, the individual's Part A/B entitlement date relative to the submission date.
Carrier and FMO rules are often stricter than CMS rules. This tool reports what CMS sources say and is not legal advice. Enrollment guidance shown is the CY 2027 version. Regulation text reflects the CY 2027 marketing rules, which apply to marketing beginning October 1, 2026.
This answer was generated by mapdbot from the sources listed below on September 23, 2026 and checked against them. Regulation text: eCFR as of 09/15/2026. It is for licensed insurance agents, is not legal advice, and does not cover carrier or FMO rules.
Sources cited
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