When is Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

 

Your IEP lasts for seven months, starting three months before your 65th birthday, including your birthday month, and continuing for three months after.

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Example: If you turn 65 on May 20th, your IEP runs from February 1st to August 31st.

Special Rule: If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, your IEP starts one month earlier. For example, if your birthday is April 1st, your IEP starts on December 1st, and your Medicare coverage begins on March 1st instead of April 1st.

What Can You Enroll In During Your IEP?

During this time, you can sign up for:
✔ Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)
✔ Medicare Advantage (Part C)
✔ Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Why enroll now? Enrolling during your IEP helps avoid late penalties and ensures you have coverage as soon as you’re eligible.

If you choose Original Medicare (Part A & B), you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) for extra coverage. You’ll have a six-month open enrollment period for Medigap starting from your Part B effective date.

• Guaranteed Approval: No one can deny you coverage based on your health.

• No Higher Premiums for Pre-Existing Conditions: Your rates won’t increase due to medical history.

• Immediate Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: No waiting period for health issues.

 

What Happens If You Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period?

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If you don’t enroll during your IEP and don’t have other creditable coverage (like employer-sponsored insurance), you could face late penalties and delays.

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Penalties for Missing Enrollment:

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1. Part B Late Penalty

• If you don’t sign up for Part B during your IEP, you’ll pay a late enrollment penalty for life.

• The penalty is 10% of the standard premium for every 12-month period you go without coverage.

• Example: In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185. If you delay enrollment by one year, you’ll pay an extra $18.50 per month—and this amount will increase if premiums rise in the future

2. Delayed Coverage for Part B

• If you miss your IEP, you’ll have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (GEP) (January 1 – March 31) to sign up.

• Your coverage won’t start until the first of the following month after you apply, leaving you without essential medical insurance for months.

3. Part D Late Penalty

• If you don’t enroll in a Part D (prescription drug) plan during your IEP and don’t have creditable drug coverage, you’ll pay a penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

• The penalty is 1% of the national base premium for every month you go without coverage.

• Example: If the base premium is $36.78, and you go 12 months without Part D, you’ll pay an extra $4.40 per month—and possibly more if the base premium increases.

4. Part A Late Penalty (Only if You Have to Buy Part A)

• Most people get Part A for free based on their work history.

• If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A and don’t buy it during your IEP, you’ll pay a 10% penalty for twice the number of years you delayed enrollment.

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Final Thoughts: Avoiding Mistakes and Staying on Track

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• Mark your calendar—your IEP is a one-time window that ensures smooth Medicare enrollment.

• Enroll early to avoid penalties and delays.

• Consider extra coverage like Part D or Medigap for comprehensive benefits.

• If you miss your IEP, act fast to minimize penalties and coverage gaps.

At Golden Health, we’re here to help you understand your enrollment options and make the right choice. Reach out today for personalized Medicare guidance!