Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Most people enroll in Medicare for the first time around age 65. Some people become eligible sooner with a qualifying disability or medical condition. And some people who work past age 65 choose to delay enrollment.
What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first time you can sign up for Medicare due to age, disability or medical condition. During your IEP, you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, and/or a Medicare Advantage plan, also called Part C.
If you become eligible for Medicare by turning 65, your IEP begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday month.
If you become eligible due to disability, your IEP begins three months before the month of your 25th Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit payment and ends three months after that month.
If you become eligible due to medical condition, your IEP will happen much sooner: within a few months if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), or right away if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).
If you plan to work past age 65, you will need to compare the health insurance you get from your employer from what you would get through Medicare.
Will I be enrolled in Medicare automatically at 65?
If you start receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65, you should be enrolled in Medicare automatically.
If you are not enrolled automatically, you will need to sign up by yourself. You can enroll in Original Medicare online at www.ssa.gov, in person at your local Social Security office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 / TTY 1-800-325-0778.
You may not be notified when you will become eligible, so find your Initial Enrollment Period dates and put them in your calendar.
Do I need Medicare if I work past age 65?
If you expect to continue working past age 65, you may want to delay enrolling in Medicare. If you have 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, such as working for an employer with fewer than 20 employees, you may still be required to take full Medicare benefits at age 65 even if you plan to keep working.
Learn more about Medicare and working past 65.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Most people enroll in Medicare for the first time around age 65. Some people become eligible sooner with a qualifying disability or medical condition. And some people who work past age 65 choose to delay enrollment.
Learn more about when to enroll in Medicare.
What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You can enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) between January 1 and March 31. Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D may charge premium penalties if you miss your initial enrollment dates, unless you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Learn more about how to avoid late enrollment penalties.
If you enroll in Original Medicare during the GEP, you may be able to add a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan between April 1 and June 30 of the same year. Once you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plan.
When will my Medicare coverage start once I enroll?
After you complete your Initial Enrollment Period sign-up, your Medicare coverage will 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.
If you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, coverage will begin on the first day of the same month you turn age 65. If your birthday falls 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 is 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.
Get a comprehensive Medicare guide
Sign up below to get a comprehensive Medicare guide and seven-part educational email series to help you navigate the Medicare enrollment process. The series will:
- Tell you when your Initial Enrollment Period begins
- Teach you about Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B
- Provide information about private Medicare plan options, including Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plans
You will also get tips for how to choose the right plan, learn about key things to keep in mind when choosing Medicare coverage, and more.
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