Medicare Enrollment

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

• This is the 7-month period around your 65th birthday when you can first enroll in Medicare.
• It includes the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after your birthday month.
• If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
• If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll need to enroll in Medicare yourself.
• Enrolling during your IEP helps you avoid potential late enrollment penalties, which can increase your monthly premiums for Part B and/or Part D

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• If you miss your IEP, you can enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1st to March 31st each year.
• You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B if you don’t have a qualifying reason for delaying enrollment.
• If you had creditable health coverage through your employer or another source, you may avoid the late enrollment penalty by enrolling during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when your other coverage ends.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

• SEPs are available for people who experience certain life events, such as losing employer coverage, moving, getting married, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
• If you qualify for an SEP, you can enroll in Medicare outside of the standard enrollment periods without penalty.
• Contact Medicare or a Medicare agent to discuss your situation and determine if you’re eligible for an SEP.