Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long. It includes the month of an individual’s 65th birthday as well as the 3 months before and the 3 months after. It begins and ends 1 month earlier if their birthday is on the first. They can enroll in Part A, Part B, or both. Additionally, they can join a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D).

1 2 3 BIRTH MONTH 5 6 7
 
3 MONTHS BEFORE
65
 3 MONTHS AFTER

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Individuals who miss their IEP can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B or both during the General Enrollment Period. The GEP happens every year from January 1 to March 31. They can also join a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D) from April 1 to June 30 the same year.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN ... DEC
 
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Special Enrollment Period: Working past 65

Individuals may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Part A, Part B or both without penalty for up to 8 months after the month their (or their spouse’s) employment or employer coverage ends, whichever comes first. Additionally, eligible individuals can enroll in Part C or D plans during the 2 months following the month of coverage loss.

1 2 3 ... 8
 
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Coverage Options Changing Coverage
Medicare: Enrollment Periods