Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Learn exactly when your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period starts, what you need to do, and how to avoid lifetime penalties. We walk you through every option.
Secure your Medicare coverage today and avoid lifetime penalties.Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the seven-month window when you can first sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. Missing this window isn't just an inconvenience - it can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties and gaps in your health coverage.
When you're approaching 65, the sheer volume of mail and phone calls can be overwhelming. But the rules of the road are actually straightforward once you cut through the noise. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and your card will arrive in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you are not receiving Social Security, you must proactively sign up through the Social Security Administration.
You've worked hard to get here, and you deserve straight answers, no surprises. The system is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We're on your side of the table, ready to help you protect what you've earned.
Once you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you face a critical decision. Medsup vs MA is a rigged comparison; the real choice is Traditional Medicare (A+B) vs Medicare Advantage. The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare - it's a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Advantage.
If you choose the Traditional Medicare path, you have a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older. During this time, you can buy any Medicare Supplement policy sold in your state, regardless of your health history. If you choose the Medicare Advantage path, you can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Don't let the clock run out on your Initial Enrollment Period. The decisions you make now will impact your healthcare and your wallet for the rest of your life. We'll walk you through every option and help you build a plan that fits your needs. Compare free, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does my Medicare Initial Enrollment Period start?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I'm still working?
If you or your spouse are still working and you have creditable health coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalty.
What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your IEP and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) to sign up, and you could face lifetime late enrollment penalties.
Does my Medigap Open Enrollment Period happen at the same time?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a six-month window that begins the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It often overlaps with your IEP but has different rules.
Ready to Get Started?
Learn exactly when your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period starts, what you need to do, and how to avoid lifetime penalties. We walk you through every option.
Secure your Medicare coverage today and avoid lifetime penalties.