The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to sign up for Medicare when you become eligible.
It’s a seven-month window around your 65th birthday that helps you get coverage in place at the right time.
What do I need to know about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
The IEP is a seven-month long window when you can first enroll in Medicare. Signing up during this time can help avoid delays in coverage and possible added costs later.
When does the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period start and end?
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period lasts for seven months:
- Starting three months before the month you turn 65
- During the month you turn 65
- And three months after you turn 65
For example, if your birthday is in July, your Medicare initial enrollment window runs from April through October.
If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your timeline starts and ends one month earlier.
Signing up earlier in your window can help your coverage start sooner. Waiting until later may delay when your Medicare coverage begins.
Who is eligible to enroll during the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 and can enroll during a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period that begins three months before their birthday month and ends three months after. Some people may qualify earlier due to certain disabilities, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS.
The Initial Enrollment Period is when you can first sign up for Medicare. After you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can then choose additional coverage, such as an Aetna Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
Plan options have their own requirements, so it’s important to review your choices once you’re enrolled in Medicare.
How to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period
Here’s a simple way to think about the process:
Step 1: Confirm your enrollment window
Make sure you know when your Initial Enrollment Period begins and ends.
Step 2: Enroll in Original Medicare
You can sign up for Part A and Part B through Social Security online, by phone or in person. Some people are automatically enrolled, but many need to sign up themselves.
Step 3: Choose how you want your coverage
You can stay with Original Medicare and add Part D, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that combines coverage.
Step 4: Compare your options
When you review plans, consider your doctors, prescriptions, costs and coverage rules.
Step 5: Confirm your coverage start date
Before you enroll, double-check when your coverage will begin so there are no gaps.
If you’re exploring coverage options, compare Aetna Medicare Advantage plans near you.
What happens if I miss the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare, you may still have options.
Depending on your situation:
- You may need to wait for another enrollment period
- Your coverage start date may be delayed
- In some cases, you may pay higher costs later
If you have coverage through an employer or a spouse’s plan, you may qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
If you’re not sure what applies to you, check with your employer or benefits administrator.
Commonly asked questions about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
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The Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday when you can first sign up for Medicare. It starts three months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month and continues for three months after. If your birthday is on the first of the month your window starts and ends one month earlier.
During this time, you can enroll in Original Medicare and choose how you want your coverage. You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, but the right plan depends on your doctors, medications and budget.
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Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and three months after.
If you enroll before your birthday month, your coverage starts the first day you’re eligible.
If you enroll later, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll. -
To get drug coverage, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage or a stand-alone Part D plan.
Compare plans based on your medications, monthly costs and pharmacy network. Make sure your prescriptions are covered and check what you may pay for each one.
