Missed Medicare Enrollment Period? There’s still time.
If you missed the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or Special Enrollment Period (SEP), or even the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) you still have time. Each year, you can enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). Each enrollment period has certain rules around applying and when coverage can begin. We are here to help you understand when you can enroll and the best time to do so. Keep reading to learn more about each enrollment period available to you.
Initial Enrollment Period
The IEP is the first time you can sign up for Medicare parts A, B, C, and D. The start date of your Part B coverage (outpatient medical services) depends on which month you enrolled. You have a seven-month window to do so:
- three months before your 65th birthday
- the month of your 65th birthday
- or three months after your 65th birthday.
Special Enrollment Period
The SEP is available when certain events happen in your life. For example, if you move, lose your current coverage, eligible for Medicaid or your plan changes its contract with Medicare. For a full list of the types of changes and the associated enrollment rules visit the Special Enrollment Periods section on Medicare.gov
General Enrollment Period
If you miss IEP or your SEP, you still get another chance to enroll with GEP. This is the time, and usually, the only time, that you can sign up for Medicare A and B if you failed to enroll when you were first eligible. It is important to note that if you enroll during this period (after your IEP) your Medicare coverage will not begin until July 1 of the same year.
Open Enrollment Period
OEP runs every year, from Oct 15 – Dec 7. It allows current Medicare users to re-evaluate their plans. For example, recipients can switch, drop or add to their plan. If you use the OEP to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, that new coverage will begin on January 1. OEP cannot be used to enroll in Part A and B for the first time. That must be done during your 7-month IEP window.
We Can Help
Still confused about the different types of Medicare enrollment periods? Call Empower today. Let us help with your Medicare questions so you can get back to the activities you enjoy the most. 1-888-446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE