New to Medicare? When to Enroll...
As you approach age 65 and prepare to enroll in Medicare, it’s important to understand your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and when it occurs. Your IEP is a 7-month window that opens 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after.
If you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during the 3 months before your birthday month, your coverage will begin on the first day of your birth month. For example, if Thomas is turning 65 on April 16 and enrolls in both Part A and Part B on March 21, his coverage will start on April 1.
If you choose to enroll in Medicare during the 3 months following your birth month, Part A coverage will still start retroactively on the first day of your birth month, while Part B coverage may have a delayed start.
Delaying Part B Enrollment...
Because Medicare Part B comes with a premium, many individuals opt to postpone their enrollment in Part B if any of the following situations apply:
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You are currently employed and receive health insurance through your employer.
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Your spouse is actively employed, and you are covered under their employer-sponsored health plan.
In these cases, you can delay enrolling in Part B without incurring a penalty, as long as the employer coverage remains in place.
Note: If your employer or your spouse's employer has fewer than 20 employees, it’s essential to enroll in Part B right away, as Medicare would be considered your primary coverage, with the employer plan acting as secondary. It’s also important to note that COBRA and retiree benefits do not qualify as creditable coverage, so they do not allow you to delay Part B enrollment.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Part B...
If you postponed enrolling in Part B due to employer or spouse-provided health coverage and that coverage ends, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This SEP allows you to enroll in Part B without penalty, with coverage beginning the first day of the month after you apply. You may need to provide proof of creditable coverage from your employer or spouse’s plan to verify eligibility and avoid late penalties when enrolling in Part B.
*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or approved by Medicare.gov or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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