Medicare
Initial Enrollment Period
Definition
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window when you can first sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
More Detail
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you are generally enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. If not, you need to actively sign up. Enrolling during the first 3 months of your IEP ensures your coverage starts on the first of the month you turn 65. Waiting until later in your IEP can delay your coverage start date.
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