Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Welcome to the Medicare Enrollment and Eligibility Resource Center, your one-stop shop for Medicare information and planning for when you turn 65. Here you'll find the tools and resources you need to help you feel confident about signing up for Medicare for the first time, when you qualify due to age. If you’re qualifying for Medicare due to disability, please click here for more information.
What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65?
Do I need Medicare if working past 65?
When can I enroll in Medicare?
What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you'll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare. It's called your Initial Enrollment Period — or IEP for short. Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
Example: You turn 65 on June 7. Your IEP is from March 1 to September 30.
If, however, your birthday is on the 1st of the month, then your IEP is determined as though you were born the month before.
Example: You turn 65 on June 1. Your IEP is from February 1 to August 31.
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65?
If you currently receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You'll receive your Medicare card in the mail before your 65th birthday. You'll still have an IEP, during which you may make Medicare coverage decisions.
If you are not currently receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you'll have to sign up for Medicare yourself. Medicare may not notify you about your eligibility, so be sure to get your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates and put them in your calendar.
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You'll get timely email reminders and information to help you navigate your Initial Enrollment Period as smoothly as possible.
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When will my Medicare coverage start after initial enrollment?
After completing your Initial Enrollment Period sign-up, your Medicare coverage will always begin on the first day of the following month. For example, if you complete your enrollment on June 25, your Medicare coverage will start on July 1.
For those who qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, your coverage will begin on the first day of the same month that you turn age 65. If your birthday happens to fall on the first of the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month before your 65th birthday.
Coverage for Medicare Part B (and premium-Medicare Part A) will depend on when the enrollment process is completed. If sign-up has been finalized before you turn 65, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. If you choose to sign up during the month of your 65th birthday, or during the three-month period after, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month.
Do I need Medicare if working past 65?
If you are planning to continue working past age 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare. If you have credible health coverage from your employer or are covered under a spouse's employer plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, and be able to delay enrolling without penalty.
In some situations, though, you may still be required to take full Medicare benefits at age 65 even if you plan to keep working. One such example is when an employer has fewer than 20 employees.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
For most people, the first time you can enroll in Medicare is around your 65th birthday. You can also qualify to enroll in Medicare with a qualifying disability after you’ve received disability benefits for 24 months, or have a qualifying medical condition such as Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Use this tool to find your Medicare eligibility dates based on age, disability or medical condition.
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What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, Medicare offers a General Enrollment Period (GEP) for those who did not sign up around their 65th birthday. You could face late enrollment penalties if you wait too long to sign up, and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Learn more about missing your Initial Enrollment Period here.
Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)
The GEP is from January 1 to March 31 every year. Here's what you need to know:
- You can enroll in Part A, Part B or both during this time
- Coverage for Part B and premium Part A will begin the month after enrollment
Learn more about Medicare Part A - You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty
- After you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you may be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a prescription drug (Part D) plan
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
The Medicare Special Enrollment Period is a time that allows a participant to switch plans or sign up for Medicare outside of the traditional enrollment timeline. The two types of triggers for a SEP — a qualifying life event or working past age 65 — must be examined closely to consider the criteria for enrollment and what type of plan changes can be made.
Learn more about the Special Enrollment period and working past 65
How do I know what Medicare coverage I need?
You'll have decisions to make during your IEP, even if you're automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. What Medicare coverage you need to enroll in is based on your personal situation. Original Medicare doesn't cover everything, and Medicare coverage offered by private insurers—such as a Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan—could help fill in the gaps.
Consider your health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage.
Get a head start on understanding Medicare, your Medicare coverage options, and enrollment timeline so you can make an informed, confident decision when the time comes by downloading our Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) checklist.
You need prescription drugs
If you use prescription drugs, you will either need to get a standalone Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Medicare Part A will only cover drugs you use in the hospital as an inpatient. Medicare Part B may also cover select vaccines, such as flu shots, but most vaccinations, including the shingles vaccine, are only covered through Part D.
You want dental, vision and other health benefits
Dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits are not covered by Medicare Parts A, Part B or Part D. Only Medicare Advantage plans offer these benefits and others, such as transportation for medical appointments and virtual doctor visits. (Benefits vary by plan.)
You want help with Medicare costs
Medicare costs can add up. If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can add a Medigap plan to help with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. You can also consider a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an out-of-pocket maximum, which can offer financial protection.
You are also eligible for Medicaid
There are Medicare plans specifically designed for people who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Dual Special Needs plans are a special kind of Medicare Advantage plan that combine Medicare Parts A, B and D, let you keep your Medicaid benefits, and also have extra benefits such as dental and vision.
Your Medicare coverage choices need to fit your health needs, lifestyle and budget. You will have a chance to review your coverage, and make changes each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.
Read next:
How to enroll
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