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Enrollment Options
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The IEP is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month a person turns 65, includes their birth month, and ends 3 months after the person turns 65. For someone under age 65 who becomes entitled to Medicare based on disability, entitlement begins with the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. For these individuals, the IEP begins 3 months before the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement, includes the 25th month, and ends three months after. The IEP for people with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) varies based on their situation.
Coverage will begin the month after a person enrolls during their IEP. Disabled individuals are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B after they have received disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months.
NOTE: In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible, they will have to pay a late enrollment penalty. The Part B penalty is assessed for as long as the person has Part B.
Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plans can make changes each year – things like cost, coverage and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when people with Original Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to help meet their needs.
People in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan should always review the material their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, they should make sure their plans will still help meet their needs for the following year.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is an additional enrollment period for people with specific life changes or events.
The qualifying events for a Medicare SEP may include:
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- If you’ve moved or are moving to a new address that is outside the coverage boundaries of your original plan.
- If you or your spouse worked after turning 65 and delayed enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B because you had group coverage through your employer.
- If you’re moving into a skilled nursing facility or long-term care hospital.
- If you’re returning to the United States after living abroad.
- If you are receiving state Medicaid help (Dual Eligible)
NOTE: Enrollment Period eligibility varies by qualifying conditions. For a full list of SEP qualifiying events please visit CMS.gov.
Speak with a licensed insurance agent to review your eligibility to review and possibly enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during one of these enrollment periods.