Original Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment Periods

Original Medicare Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – Your seven month period that begins 3 months BEFORE your birthday month and ends 3 months AFTER your birthday month.
• General Enrollment Period (GEP) – January 1st through March 31st of each year. Individuals may enroll during GEP if they missed or delayed their Original Medicare sign up. A late enrollment penalty maybe assessed. If you are in a situation where you enroll in Part B during the GEP, you may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during GEP as well.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – A Special Enrollment Period is allowed outside of IEP and GEP medicare enrollment periods. Typically most individuals utilize SEP after coverage from a Union or Employer Sponsored health insurance plan coverage ends or after employment ends (whichever scenario occurs first). Volunteers that are serving in another country may qualify for SEP as well.