Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) Medicare

When you become eligible for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you also become eligible for an ICEP for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

Similar to your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Original Medicare, your ICEP begins:

• 3 months before you turn 65 or become eligible for Part A and Part B
• 3 months before your 25th month of disability

Your ICEP can end in 2 ways (whichever is later):

• The last day of the month before entitlement to Parts A and B
• The last day of your Part B IEP (you can choose to delay part B enrollment under certain circumstances)

Once you’ve enrolled during your ICEP and enrollment takes effect, the ICEP has been used.

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD) or without it (MA).

If you missed your ICEP, you have two other opportunities to join or make changes to a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Annual Election Period (AEP) – October 15 to December 7
• Special Election Period*

*Eligibility for Special Election Periods are limited to certain qualifying events.

An ICEP is your first chance to enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan of your choice. For more information on MA plans, check out these 4 surprising benefits to Medicare Advantage plans.