Medicare has specific windows for when you can sign up. Missing the right time could mean delays or penalties — so it’s important to know when you can enroll.
Let’s break it down:
✅ Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
This is your first chance to sign up for Medicare.
When?
It’s a 7-month window:
- Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes your birthday month
- Ends 3 months after your birthday month
📝 Example:
If your birthday is in July, your enrollment window is April 1 to October 31.
✅ Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Still working at 65 and have employer health insurance?
You may be able to delay Medicare without a penalty.
You’ll get a Special Enrollment Period when:
- You (or your spouse) stop working
- Or you lose employer coverage
You have 8 months to enroll in Part B after that coverage ends.
✅ General Enrollment Period (GEP)
Missed your IEP and don’t qualify for a SEP?
You can sign up between:
📅 January 1 – March 31
Coverage starts July 1
⚠️ You might pay a late enrollment penalty
✅ Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Already on Medicare and want to switch plans?
📅 October 15 – December 7 every year
You can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Change your Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch from one Advantage plan to another
✅ Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get another chance to make changes.
📅 January 1 – March 31
You can:
- Switch to another Advantage plan
- Drop Advantage and go back to Original Medicare
Confused About Enrollment Timing?
You’re not alone.
I help people like you every day figure out what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid penalties.
👉 Contact me and I’ll walk you through it.
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