What is the Medicare 7-month Initial Enrollment Period?
Medicare Made Easy
What is the Medicare 7-month Initial Enrollment Period?
The Medicare 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a time period when people who are first eligible for Medicare can sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. The IEP starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
If you enroll in Medicare during your IEP, your coverage will start the first month after you enroll. If you miss your IEP, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you enroll later.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the Medicare 7-month Initial Enrollment Period:
- You can only enroll in Medicare during your IEP if you are first eligible for Medicare.
- If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you cannot enroll again during your IEP.
- If you are not sure if you are eligible for Medicare, you can contact your local Social Security office.
- If you have any questions about the Medicare 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, you can contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).