When is my Medicare initial enrollment period?

How do I find out the exact dates of my initial enrollment period for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. It starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your birthday month. If you are becoming eligible due to a disability, your IEP begins in the 24th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Here’s how to calculate the exact dates of your IEP:

1. Determine Your 65th Birthday Month:

   • Start by identifying the month you turn 65.

2. Count 3 Months Before Your Birthday:

   • Your IEP begins exactly 3 months before the first day of your birthday month. For example, if you turn 65 in July, your enrollment period starts on April 1.

3. Your Birthday Month:

   • The entire month in which you turn 65 is included in your IEP. So, if your birthday is in July, the month of July is part of your enrollment window.

4. Count 3 Months After Your Birthday:

   • Your IEP ends 3 months after your birthday month. Using the same example, if your birthday is in July, your IEP ends on October 31.

If you are under 65 and eligible due to a disability, your IEP starts in your 24th month of receiving SSDI benefits and follows the same 7-month timeline.

To confirm your exact IEP dates or get help enrolling, you can schedule an appointment with one of our brokers: Schedule an Appointment.