What if I Missed My Initial Enrollment Period?

Published by: Medicare Made Clear

The first time most people can enroll in Medicare is during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This 7-month period begins three months before the month in which you turn 65 and ends three months after. But, what if you miss your IEP? What happens?

Some people continue to work past 65 with employer health coverage and may be able to delay Medicare enrollment. If you’re planning to work past 65, and would like to see if you may qualify to delay Medicare, please find additional information here.

Video transcript

An animated white speech bubble appears over an animated character's yellow and blue head.

ON SCREEN TEXT: If you miss your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period...

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A blue number 5 appears over white text.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 5 things to know

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Blue and white text appears above three calendars.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 1 You get another chance to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B.

ON SCREEN TEXT: January 1 - March 31 General Enrollment Period (GEP)

ON SCREEN TEXT: January Feburary March The text and calendars disappear.

More blue and white text appears above two forms.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 2 April 1 - June 30

ON SCREEN TEXT: You may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or prescription drug plan (Part D) April 1 - June 30 the same year if you qualify

ON SCREEN TEXT: PART C

ON SCREEN TEXT: PART D The text and forms disappear.

Clocks and dollar signs appear, along with blue and white text.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 3 Depending on your situation...

ON SCREEN TEXT: You may have to pay late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part A, Part B and/or Part D.

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Blue text appears above a calendar.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 4 Coverage would begin July 1st of the same year.

ON SCREEN TEXT: July The text and calendar disappear.

Blue and white text appears above three calendars.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 5 You can make changes to your Medicare coverage again during the Annual Enrollment Period.

ON SCREEN TEXT: October 15 - December 7

ON SCREEN TEXT: October November December

ON SCREEN TEXT: This period happens every year. Boxes representing the days between October 15th and December 7th are colored green on the calendars.

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ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Made Clear® by UnitedHealthcare

What Happens When You Miss Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

If you miss your IEP for Medicare enrollment, you can still enroll. You will enroll during what is known as the Medicare General Enrollment Period.

The General Enrollment Period happens every year, January 1 – March 31. During this time, you will enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. Your coverage will begin on July 1 of the same year.

You may also be eligible to next enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or Part D prescription drug plan between April 1 and June 30 of the same year. If you want a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to enroll in both Parts A and B first.

Enrolling in Medicare Late May Mean Late Penalties

Now, here’s the downside to enrolling after your Initial Enrollment Period. Depending on your situation (example: if you have creditable coverage that qualified you to delay or not), you may have to pay late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part A, Part B and/or Part D.

You can read about all Medicare late enrollment penalties here.

Again, whether or not you pay Medicare late enrollment penalties will depend on your unique situation.

Learn More About How to Enroll

Find out how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

Learn More

About the Author

Medicare Made Clear

Providing simple information and clear answers about Medicare insurance plans and choices for current and future beneficiaries, retirees, caregivers and health care providers.