Medicare Enrollment Periods

Your initial enrollment period for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is dependent on the start of your eligibility. You are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, and there is a total seven month enrollment period.

Then, sign up starts three months before, during, and three months after you turn 65, for a total of seven months. If you are not automatically enrolled in Part A coverage, you may apply at any point in this initial enrollment period. Your coverage will begin relative to your sign update.

You are still able to apply at any point within these seven months if you delay your enrollment (if, for example, you begin the process at the moment you turn 65 rather than three months prior). It may, however, cause a gap in your coverage, and is therefore not recommended. You will also likely have to pay a late enrollment fee.

What do I do if I missed my Initial Medicare Enrollment Period?

If you did not apply during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may still sign up for coverage annually from January 1st to March 31st.

Within this General Enrollment Period, your coverage will begin on July 1st, and you may experience a gap in coverage. You may also have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment for Part A or Part B. For these reasons, we recommended that you follow the typical Initial Enrollment Period.

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What are Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?

If you have reason to miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be eligible to sign up under a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You may apply for coverage under a SEP at any point so long as:

You or your spouse are currently working
You are covered by a group health plan through Sais work

If you miss this SEP, you still have an eight-month SEP to sign up after your employment or group health insurance ends.

Concerned about your Medicare coverage?

Call Medicare Strategist today!

Don’t waste time worrying about your Medicare enrollment and coverage options—we have you covered. If you are looking for comprehensive Medicare coverage or would just like more information, call us at (912) 412-0244.