Medicare Enrollment
Let's walk through the enrollment process so you can understand the dates that matter.
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. Some may become eligible earlier if they have a qualifying disability or health condition such as ALS or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
New to Medicare? Before enrolling, be sure to get up-to-speed on understanding what Medicare covers and your eligibility to enroll. If you have questions, give us a call, we're here to help.
It's Important to Enroll in Medicare on Time
Some people automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B, especially if they're already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. If so, a Medicare card will arrive about three months before turning 65, and you’ll automatically get Part A without a premium, while Part B enrollment is also automatic (except in Puerto Rico or abroad).
If you aren’t receiving Social Security yet, you can sign up for Medicare online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
Your Guide to Medicare Enrollment Periods
There are set windows of time when you can enroll in Medicare, called "enrollment periods." For most people, there are two periods in which you can enroll in Medicare for the first time.
Enrolling in Medicare generally occurs during two enrollment periods:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) |
What is it? The IEP is your first chance to sign up for Medicare.
Timing: For most people, the seven-month IEP period includes the three calendar months BEFORE the month in which you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and ends three calendar months AFTER your birthday month.
Example: If your 65th birthday is on May15, your IEP would start on February 1 and end on August 31.
Benefit: Enrolling during the IEP helps you avoid late enrollment penalties.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) |
What is it? If you're still working at 65 and have health insurance through your or your spouse's employer, you can delay signing up for Medicare Part B without penalty.
Timing: The SEP begins when you stop working or your employer health coverage ends, whichever happens first. You then have eight months to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalty.
Example: If you retire on August 31 and your employer coverage ends on that day, your SEP to enroll in Medicare Part B starts on September 1 and ends on April 30 of the following year.
Benefit: Allows you to enroll in Medicare Part B without having to pay penalties after your employment or health coverage ends.
A Note on Special Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Periods also allow you to change your coverage when certain events happen.
If any of these apply to you, Medicare could let you to enroll in a plan at any time:
- Moving to a new address that is outside your current plan’s service area, or a new location that offers new plan options
- Losing your current coverage (from Medicaid, from your employer or union, from a drug plan)
- Your plan’s contract is affected due to a decision from Medicare
- Being eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
- Qualifying for Extra Help—a Medicare program to help with Part D Prescription Drug costs
Other Enrollment Periods to Remember
In addition to the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and Special Enrollment Period (SEP), there are two other Medicare enrollment periods:
General & Open Enrollment Periods |
January 1 - March 31
What if you miss your initial enrollment period window to enroll in Medicare?
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is the time for those who missed their IEP to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. During this time, you can sign up for a plan and coverage would start the month after you sign up. However, there may be a late enrollment penalty involved.
If you have Medicare Advantage, this time period is known as the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (you can change only once during this period).
Annual Enrollment Period |
October 15 – December 7
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) happens every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can change, drop, or start new Medicare health or prescription coverage.
If you’re on a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you can choose a new plan, or switch back to Original Medicare for the next year.
If you make a change during this time, it will usually become effective January 1 of the following year.
When Does My Coverage Start?
Coverage always starts on the first day of the month. The actual month may vary depending on when you sign up.
For example, if you first sign up before the month of your 65th birthday, coverage begins the month you turn 65. However, if you sign up the month you turn 65, or sometime during the three months after, your coverage would start the next month after signing up.
We're Here to Guide You
If you are eligible, your approaching 65th birthday will signal your Initial Enrollment Period. If you happen to miss it, you'll still have the Annual Enrollment Period, the Open Enrollment Period and other Special Election Periods for changes or new plan enrollments.
Remember that you're not alone. We're always here to help you navigate the enrollment process and guide you to the plan that's right for you.
Next Steps...
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