Definition. The 7-month period around your 65th birthday (or your 25th month of disability benefits) when you can first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, and join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
What it means
When your coverage starts depends on when you sign up:
- In the 3 months before your birthday month: Part B starts the first day of the month you turn 65.
- In your birthday month or the 3 months after: Part B starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
If you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you're enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically. Otherwise, sign up with Social Security. If you miss your IEP and don't have group coverage from current work, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) and pay a Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12 months you went without it.
In Oregon
If you still have group coverage from your or your spouse's current job, you may be able to delay Part B and use a special enrollment period later; see the Part B special enrollment period. Oregon state retirees should not wait: PEBB retiree coverage ends the last day of the month before the month you become eligible for Medicare (OAR 101-050-0010), so sign up during your IEP to avoid a gap.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — When can I sign up for Medicare?
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Oregon Administrative Rules — OAR 101-050-0010, PEBB retiree coverage
Frequently asked questions
What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
If you don't have group coverage from current work, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31, and you may pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B and, if you also went without creditable drug coverage, for Part D.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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