Enroll in Medicare during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Learn more about IEP and don't miss your window to sign up for Medicare for the first time.


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What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

For many people, Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to enroll in Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before you turn 65, goes through your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. For those eligible due to disability, this period begins three months before their 25th month of disability payments, includes the 25th month, and ends 3 months after. 

Here’s some information to help you get started with Medicare.

Maybe. If you’re under 65 and start receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. You should receive a package in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday with your new Medicare card. There should also be a letter explaining how Medicare works and that you were automatically enrolled in both Parts A and B.1

If you’re under 65 and not receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll need to actively enroll in Medicare. If you need to enroll, use this helpful guide on how to sign up for Medicare in 3 easy steps.

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It depends. If you’re still employed when you become eligible for Medicare, you can keep your coverage under your employer’s group health plan. Here are some rules to consider:2  

    If your employer has 20 or more employees, generally you can choose to delay Medicare enrollment, drop your employer coverage for Medicare, or have both Medicare and employer coverage.

    If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, generally you will need to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.

    If you have health coverage through a spouse’s employer, your options will depend on the employer’s rules. 


If you choose to delay enrolling in Part B, you may avoid penalties by qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). For more details on enrolling in Original Medicare, explore when to sign up for Medicare if you’re still working past 65.

If you miss your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, you have another chance to sign up for Original Medicare.4

General Enrollment Period (GEP) 

If you miss your chance to apply for Original Medicare during your IEP, or you weren’t automatically enrolled, the Medicare General Enrollment Period is your chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B.

Dates: Jan. 1–March 31

During the General Enrollment Period, you can:

    Sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B


Additional information:

    Coverage will start on July 1 

    You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty


Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A Special Enrollment Period sign up for Part A (if you have to buy it) and Part B once your IEP ends, but only if you meet certain requirements.5 

When do you qualify for a special enrollment period to sign up for Parts A and B?

If you’re covered under a group health plan based on current employment, you have a SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B at any time as long as you or your spouse (or family member if you’re disabled) is working, and you’re covered by a group health plan through the employer or union based on that work.

Additional information:

If you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, your Medicare coverage typically begins the month after Social Security gets your completed request. Usually, you don’t pay a Part B late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period.

If you’re new to Medicare, it’s natural to have questions when shopping Medicare plans. Here are some coverage details to consider: 

    Out-of-pocket costs—premiums, deductibles, copayments and any other payments not covered by Medicare

    Prescription drug coverage—eligibility requirements, medication coverage and costs, generic vs. brand name, etc. 

    Healthcare needs—any upcoming surgeries or doctor appointments you may have in the coming year

    Travel plans—Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover services overseas, so if you plan on traveling out of the country, you might consider buying a supplemental insurance plan that will cover you in case of an emergency


To get more information about costs, coverage and eligibility, check out these answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare.

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“Medicare,” Social Security Administration, last accessed Oct. 24, 2024.  

“Working past 65,” Medicare.gov, last accessed Oct. 24, 2024.  

“When does Medicare coverage start?”, Medicare.gov, last accessed Oct. 24, 2024.  

“Joining a plan,” Medicare.gov, last accessed Oct. 24, 2024.  

“Enrolling  in Medicare Part A & Part B,” Medicare.gov, last accessed Oct. 24, 2024. 



When will my Medicare coverage start after Initial Enrollment?