When You Can Get Medicare

MedicareGuidesEnrollment Periods
Written By Nicholas Gatorano

Medicare coverage starts based on when you sign up and which sign-up period you're in. This guide provides detailed information on the various enrollment periods, how to avoid penalties, and the impact on your coverage start date.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first chance to sign up for Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first of the month, your coverage starts the month before you turn 65.

Coverage Start Dates During IEP

Sign-Up Period Coverage Starts
Before the month you turn 65 The month you turn 65
The month you turn 65 The next month
During the 3 months after you turn 65 The next month

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

If you miss your 7-month IEP, you may face a monthly late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. This penalty increases the longer you wait.

How to Avoid Penalties

  • Sign up during your IEP.

  • If you need to sign up later, ensure you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you miss your IEP, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Your coverage will start the month after you sign up, but you might have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

Coverage Start Date During GEP

Sign-Up Period Coverage Starts
January 1 - March 31 The next month

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

In certain situations, you can sign up for Medicare Part B (and Premium-Part A) without paying a late enrollment penalty outside of your IEP or GEP. Here are some scenarios and their corresponding enrollment periods:

SEP Scenarios and Coverage Start Dates

Scenario SEP Duration Coverage Start Date How to Sign Up
Lost Medicaid coverage on or after 1/1/2023 Starts the day you’re notified that your Medicaid coverage is ending. Ends 6 months after your Medicaid coverage ends. The month after you sign up, or the date your Medicaid coverage ends, whichever you choose. Fill out form CMS-10797 and send it to your local Social Security office.
Impacted by a natural disaster or emergency Starts the day the Federal, state or local government declares the emergency or disaster, or the date in that declaration (whichever is earlier). Ends 6 months after whichever of these happens later: the end date in the original declaration, the last day of any extensions to the declaration, or the date the government revokes or announces the end of the declaration. The month after you sign up. Fill out form CMS-10797 and send it to your local Social Security office.
Received inaccurate or misleading information from your health plan or employer Starts the day you notify the Social Security Administration. Ends 6 months later. The month after you sign up. Fill out form CMS-10797 and send it to your local Social Security office.
Released from incarceration Starts the day you're released from custody. Ends the last day of the 12th month after the month you're released. The month after you sign up, or you can select retroactive coverage back to your release date (but not a date before your release date). Fill out form CMS-10797 and send it to your local Social Security office.
Experienced other exceptional conditions Starts once you contact Social Security. Ends at least 6 months later. The month after you sign up. Fill out form CMS-10797 and send it to your local Social Security office.
Have health insurance through your job or a family member’s job Starts the first month after your IEP ends. Ends 8 months after the group health plan coverage or the employment ends, whichever happens first. Generally, the month after you sign up. In some situations, you can choose to have your coverage start on the first day of any of the 3 following months. Apply online at SSA.gov or send completed forms to your local Social Security office.

CMS-10797 Form

Specific Situations Not Qualifying for SEP

  • Your COBRA coverage or retiree coverage ends.

  • You missed your 8-month window to sign up when you stopped working or lost job-based coverage.

  • You have or lose your Marketplace coverage.

  • You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

For more detailed information about Medicare enrollment periods and penalties, refer to the official Medicare website or contact your local Social Security office.

This guide is designed to help you understand when to sign up for Medicare to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage. Make sure to sign up during the appropriate enrollment periods and consult with Medicare or Social Security representatives if you have specific questions or unique situations.

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Nicholas Gatorano
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