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 |
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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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