Medicare Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)

When you become eligible for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) you also become eligible for Medicare Advantage (Part C). The first enrollment period for Medicare Advantage (MA) is called the Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP).

Let’s take a closer look at ICEP and what it means for you.

ICEP is your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you enroll in an MA plan during your ICEP, your coverage will start on the same day as your Original Medicare coverage.

When you become eligible for Original Medicare, you also become eligible for the ICEP. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage.

Your ICEP begins three months before you become eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. If you have what’s called “creditable coverage,” you may be able to put off signing up and paying for Medicare Part B with no late-enrollment penalty. 

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

If you’re new to Medicare Advantage, there are similarities and differences between IEP and ICEP. Both are 1-time enrollment periods and may occur at the same time. Here are the key differences between IEP and ICEP:

• IEP—This is your first chance to enroll in Original Medicare.
• ICEP—If you’re newly eligible for Medicare and wish to enroll in an MA (Part C) plan, this is your chance.

If you missed your ICEP, you have 2 other opportunities to join or make changes to a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Annual Election Period (AEP) – Oct. 15 to Dec. 7
• Special Election Period (SEP)*

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

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