🕒 Quick Guide to Medicare Enrollment Periods
Understanding when to enroll in Medicare is just as important as choosing the right plan.
Here's a breakdown of the key enrollment periods:
✅ Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
When: Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after (7 months total).
Who: Anyone turning 65 and eligible for Medicare.
What: Enroll in Part A and/or Part B.
🔁 General Enrollment Period (GEP)
When: January 1 – March 31 each year.
Who: If you missed your Initial Enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment.
What: Enroll in Part A and/or B; coverage starts July 1.
Note: You may face late penalties.
🎯 Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
When: Varies depending on the situation (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving).
Who: People who delayed Part B due to creditable coverage (like employer insurance).
What: Enroll in Part B or Medicare Advantage with no penalty if eligible.
🔄 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
When: October 15 – December 7 each year.
Who: Anyone already on Medicare.
What: Switch, drop, or join a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan.
Changes take effect January 1.