You can first enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Missing this window without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period can result in permanent late enrollment penalties — so the timing matters enormously.
What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
The IEP is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). It spans 7 months total. If you sign up before your birthday month, your coverage starts the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up during or after your birthday month, coverage is delayed.
Most people are automatically enrolled if they are already receiving Social Security benefits. If you’re not yet collecting Social Security, you’ll need to actively sign up through the Social Security Administration.
What If I’m Still Working at 65?
If you (or your spouse) are still actively employed at 65 and covered by an employer group health plan, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty, in certain situations. When that employer coverage ends, you’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B. But, you only have two month SEP (Special Enrollment Period) to enroll in additional Medicare insurance coverage, like a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and/or a Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan. If you miss the 60 day window the SEP ends and you will have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period to enroll in additional insurance coverage and would end up having a gap in coverage (including prescription Part D coverage) and may end up paying a lifetime Late Enrollment Penalty.
Important: COBRA coverage does not count as active employer coverage for this purpose. If you delay Medicare because of COBRA, you may still face a late penalty.
What Are the Late Enrollment Penalties?
The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% added to your monthly Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll. This penalty is permanent — it stays with you for as long as you have Part B. The Part D late penalty is similarly ongoing.
These penalties are one of the most common and costly mistakes I see people make. If you’re approaching 65 and unsure about your timing, please reach out before you miss a window.
Call or text 315-727-4933, or email tcangemi@RetirementHPMS.com — I’m here to help you get it right the first time.