Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. For most people, their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is when they turn age 65. Medicare Part A is normally automatic and usually with $0 premium. You must make an election for Medicare Part B and pay a premium.

Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Your IEP window operates like this.

If you enroll before turning 65 your Part B begins the month you turn 65.

Enroll the month you turn 65 and your Part B coverage begins the month following your 65th birthday.

When you enroll the month AFTER you turn 65 your coverage begins TWO months after turning 65.

Enrolling two months AFTER you turn 65 your coverage begins THREE months after turning 65.

If you enroll three months AFTER you turn 65 your coverage begins FOUR months after you turn 65.

When is the Best Time to Enroll in Medicare?

How to enroll in Medicare? Should I sign up at age 65 or wait until I get Social Security? Is Medicare free? GA Medicare Expert Bob Vineyard answers questions.

Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65? Am I required to enroll in Medicare? How do I apply for Medicare?

What if I continue to work past 65? Do I still need Medicare? What happens if I have a younger spouse? If I elect COBRA, does that work with Medicare?

Who pays first? Medicare or employer group insurance? Should I stay on my group insurance plan or continue to work and enroll in Medicare? Should I enroll in Medicare Part A even if I am continuing to work past 65 and covered by my employer group health insurance plan?

Is there a penalty for enrolling late? Do I need a drug plan (Medicare Part D)?

Medicare Special Enrollment Period

There are situations where you may enroll in Medicare Part B other than when you are turning age 65.

If you receive disability benefits from Social Security, you will become eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B on the first day of the 25th month after your Social Security benefits begin.

If you have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) and you have permanent kidney failure requiring dialsysis or a kideny transplan, you automatically qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B. Enrollment is not automatic, you must apply for Parts A and B.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

If you didn’t take Medicare Part B when you were first eligible because you or your spouse were working and had group health plan coverage through your or your spouse’s employer or union, you can sign up for Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period. You can sign up:

• Anytime you are still covered by the employer or union group health plan through your or your spouse’s current or active employment, or

• During the 8 months following the month the employer or union group health plan coverage ends, or when the employment ends (whichever is first).

If you are disabled and working (or you have coverage from a working family member), the Special Enrollment Period rules also apply.

When Coverage is Effective if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period

• If you enroll in Medicare Part B while covered by the group health plan or during the first full month after coverage ends, your Medicare Part B coverage starts on the first day of the month you enroll. You also can delay the start date for Medicare Part B coverage until the first day of any of the following 3 months.

• If you enroll during any of the 7 remaining months of the Special Enrollment Period, your Medicare Part B coverage begins the month after you enroll.

If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B during your Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period, which is January 1 through March 31 of each year. You may then have to pay a higher Medicare Part B premium because you could have had Medicare Part B and didn’t take it.

Georgia Medicare Plans is pleased to provide this information to seniors in Georgia. Please contact us if you have any questions. You can also compare GA Medigap rates by clicking on the quote request links.

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