The point at which your Medicare coverage will start will ultimately depend on when you choose to enroll. You will have multiple chances to enroll in Medicare, but it’s important that you enroll at the right time so you can avoid gaps in coverage.
Initial Enrollment Period
Your first chance to enroll in Medicare is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. For example, if you turn 65 on September 14, you could enroll as soon as June 1 and as late as December 31.
Suppose you are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. In that case, your coverage begins on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday happens to be on the first of the month, your coverage will instead start the month before your birthday.
Some Medicare beneficiaries will have to pay a monthly premium for Part A. If you have to pay the premium, your coverage will begin within the first three months of registration. However, keep in mind that the earlier you enroll, the sooner your coverage will begin. If you enroll during or before your birth month, your coverage will begin the following month. If you enroll the month after your 65th birthday, your coverage will begin two months after enrollment. If you enroll two or three months after your birth month, you will be waiting a full three months for coverage to begin.
General Enrollment Period
If you do not enroll during this period, you will be able to sign up during the General Enrollment Period. It takes place every year from January 1 to March 31, but the coverage for this enrollment period won’t start until July 1.
By enrolling during this period, you will most likely have to pay late enrollment penalties.
Special Enrollment Period
You may also be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, or SEP, depending on if you meet certain qualifications. One of the most common ways to qualify for a SEP is if you delay your enrollment in Medicare because you currently have creditable coverage through your employer. If you are able to enroll during a SEP, your coverage will usually begin the following month but can be delayed up to three months in rare cases.
If you enroll during this period, you will not have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
Learn More About Medicare Enrollment
If you’re interested in learning more about when to enroll in Medicare and when your coverage will begin, reach out to Magellan Healthcare today!
