Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The IEP is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month a person turns 65, their birthday month and ends 3 months after the person turns 65. For someone under age 65 who becomes entitled to Medicare based on disability, entitlement begins with the 25 th month of disability benefit entitlement. For these individuals, the IEP begins 3 months before the 25 th month of disability benefit entitlement, includes the 25 th month, and ends three months after. The IEP for people with ESRD and ALS varies based on their situation.

Coverage will begin the month after a person enrolls during their IEP. Disabled individuals are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B after they have received disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months.

NOTE: In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible, they will have to pay a late enrollment penalty. The Part B penalty is assessed for as long as the person has Part B.