For many people, Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to enroll in Original Medicare
Here’s some information to help you get started with Medicare.
For many people, Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to enroll in Original Medicare
Here’s some information to help you get started with Medicare.
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Maybe. If you’re under 65 and start receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before you
If you’re under 65 and not receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll need to actively enroll in Medicare. If you need to enroll, use this helpful guide on
It depends. If you’re still employed when you become eligible for Medicare, you can keep your coverage under your employer’s group health plan. Here are some rules to consider:2
If you choose to delay enrolling in Part B, you may avoid penalties by qualifying for a
For people eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before you turn 65, goes through your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. For people eligible due to disability, this period begins three months before their 25th month of disability payments, includes the 25th month, and ends 3 months after.
The date your Medicare plan coverage starts depends on the month you sign up during your IEP. Coverage always starts on the first of the month.3
If you sign up | Before the month of your 65th birthday | The month you turn 65 | 1 month after you turn 65 | 2–3 months after you turn 65 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Medicare coverage will start | The month you turn 65 | The next month | The next month | The next month |
If you miss your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, you have another chance to sign up for Original Medicare.4
If you miss your chance to apply for Original Medicare during your IEP, or you weren’t automatically enrolled, the Medicare General Enrollment Period is your chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B.
Dates: Jan. 1–March 31
During the General Enrollment Period, you can:
Additional information:
A
When do you qualify for a special enrollment period to sign up for Parts A and B?
If you’re covered under a group health plan based on current employment, you have a SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B at any time as long as you or your spouse (or family member if you’re disabled) is working, and you’re covered by a group health plan through the employer or union based on that work.
Additional information:
If you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, your Medicare coverage typically begins the month after Social Security gets your completed request. Usually, you don’t pay a Part B late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period.
Yes. When you become eligible for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you also become eligible for a
The enrollment period is called your
Yes. IEP is your first chance to sign up for
There are 2 different ways you can get prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in a
To learn more, check out
If you’re new to Medicare, it’s natural to have questions when shopping Medicare plans. Here are some coverage details to consider:
To get more information about costs, coverage and eligibility, check out these answers to
Enrollment and eligibility
How to register for Medicare coverage in 3 easy stepsMedicare costs
How much will Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cost?Enrollment and eligibility
What if I’m late to enroll in Medicare? Are there penalties?