"Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is Oct 15 – Dec 7. Schedule your mandatory annual prescription and plan review today!"
Enrolling in Medicare on time is critical. Missing your government-mandated windows can result in delayed healthcare coverage and permanent financial penalties that last a lifetime.
📅 1. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
This is your first and most important window to sign up for Medicare when turning 65.
The 7-Month Window: It spans a strict 7-month period. It includes your birthday month, the 3 months before your birthday, and the 3 months after your birthday.
When Coverage Starts: If you sign up during the 3 months before your birthday month, your coverage begins on the 1st day of your birthday month.
🔑 2. The Medigap Open Enrollment Period
If you want a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, this is your one-time golden opportunity.
The 6-Month Window: This begins automatically the month you are both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B.
No Health Questions: During these 6 months, you have an absolute right to buy any Supplement plan available in your state with zero medical underwriting. Insurance companies cannot look at pre-existing conditions, alter your rates due to past illness, or deny you a policy.
⚠️ 3. The Cost of Missing Your Deadlines
If you do not sign up for Medicare on time and lack "creditable" coverage from an active employer group health plan, the government implements permanent premium penalties:
The Part B Penalty: A permanent 10% premium penalty is added for every full 12-month period you were eligible but delayed enrollment. You pay this penalty for life.
The Part D Penalty: A permanent premium penalty accumulates for every month you go without a prescription plan for 63 consecutive days or more after your initial eligibility window closes.
👉 Unsure of your personal enrollment target dates? Let's chart your timeline together.