Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) allows an individual aging into Medicare (becoming 65 years of age).

During this period, an individual may sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B.

How long does this period last?

The initial enrollment period is a 7 month window for newly Medicare-eligible individuals (turning 65 years of age). The 7 months include the 3 months before the individual’s 65th birthday month, the birthday month, and the 3 months following the birthday month.

(Example: If the individual’s 65th birthday is April 15th, the initial enrollment period (7 months) is January 1st – July 31st.

Who is automatically signed up for Medicare?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the time you turn age 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

And, you should receive your Medicare card in the mail prior to the beginning of the 7 month period.

If you decide that you do not want Medicare Part A or B, you must notify Social Security Administration.

When is the earliest I can sign up for Medicare?

The earliest that you may sign up for Medicare is the first day of the month of your 7 month initial enrollment period.

(Example: If you turn age 65 on April 15th. The earliest you can sign up for Medicare is January 1st.)

When is the latest I can sign up for Medicare?

If you sign up for Medicare during your birthday month (when turning 65 years of age), your Medicare coverage begins the 1st day of the following month.

This is also true if you sign up for Medicare in the 5th, 6th or 7th month of your initial enrollment period.

If you fail to sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you must wait until the General Enrollment Period, which is January 1st – March 31st.

What if I do not sign up for Medicare during the IEP?

If you do not sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, and you do not qualify for a special enrollment period, you will have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which is January 1st – March 31st.

Your effective date for coverage may be delayed.

After I sign up for Medicare, when does coverage begin?

If you sign up for Medicare during the first three months of your initial enrollment period, Medicare coverage begins on the 1st day of your birthday month.

If you sign up for Medicare during your birthday month, the 5th, 6th or 7th month of your initial enrollment period, the effective date of Medicare coverage begins the 1st day of the month following the date that you signed up.

For enrollees born on the 1st day of a month, their effective date is the 1st day of the month of the month prior to the birthday month.

(Example: If you birthday is April 1st, then your Medicare coverage is effective on March 1st.)

How do I sign up for Medicare?

If you are drawing Social Security or Railroad Retirement income benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you may apply for Medicare Parts A and/or Part B via:

Should I enroll in Medicare Parts A & B?

Some individuals continue to work after 65 years of age and have creditable employer group health insurance coverage (EGHC).

Or, the spouse of the Medicare-eligible individual works and carries employer group health insurance.

In these two cases, the Medicare enrollee may opt to sign up for Part A only, delaying Part B until the EGHC terminates.

If you are unsure whether to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B, seek out a professional who can assist you with this important decision.