Initial Enrollment Period
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the best time to apply for Medicare. It is a seven-month timeline that starts three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months after your birthday. Let’s say your birthday is in August, your Initial Enrollment window starts on May 1 and ends on November 31.
However, if your birthday occurs on the first day of the month, the whole IEP moves forward by one month. Accordingly, if your birthday is on August 1, your IEP starts on April 1 and ends on October 31.
Special Enrollment Period
A SEP gives you the chance to enroll in Medicare beyond the regular enrollment periods. The SEP is viable if you have health insurance from an organization you or your partner currently work for, moved out of your plan’s service area, lost coverage, or changes were made to your current plan. SEP permits you to postpone enrollment and avoid monthly premium contributions until the coverage or employment terminates.
General Enrollment Period
When the IEP or SEP is unused, there is another opportunity to enroll. Enrollment for Medicare Parts A and B may also occur between January 1 and March 31 each year. Medicare coverage begins on July 1 of the same year. If Part A is required during this period, enrollment for Part B is required during this period too.
