When to Enroll

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

IEP is when you turn 65 years old, and you first become eligible for Medicare

IEP lasts for seven months and includes:

✓ Three months before you turn 65 years old

✓ The month you turn 65 years old, Plus

✓ Three months after you turn 65 years old

 

Do you need to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B?

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65 years old, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B.

If you’re close to 65 years old but NOT yet getting Social Security benefits, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare.

  • Visit www.SSA.gov/medicare to apply for Part A and Part B or call your local Social Security office

If you want to delay signing up for Part B, because you are still working and covered under your employer’s group plan;

  • You have an 8-month window to sign up for Part B after your employment or coverage ends.
  • If you wait longer than 8 months, you will incur a penalty.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Options

1. Enroll in Original Medicare A & B (Step 1)

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Most people get this premium-free.
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) – Requires a monthly premium.

2. After you have enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B

  • you have the option to enroll in additional coverage, directly with the plan providers

Option 1 (Step 2)
One or both of the following

  • Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan)
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance

OR

Option 2 (Step 2)

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) – If you want an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare

 

When can you change your plan, once you’re enrolled?

You can change your plans one time every year, during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The AEP is from October 15th until December 7th

What can you change during the AEP?

Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa

Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

 

Other times you can change plans;

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are exceptions for changing Medicare Advantage plans outside of AEP

SEPs relate to life events, rather than your age. For example;

  • If you move outside of your plan’s service area, such as to a different county or state
  • If you lose your plan
  • If you are affected by a government-declared disaster or emergency