📅 Calculator IEP GEP SEP
Medicare Enrollment Timeline
Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window centered on the month you turn 65. Missing it (without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period) means waiting for the General Enrollment Period and paying a permanent Part B late-enrollment penalty. Enter your birth month and year to see your exact windows.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
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If you missed your IEP — General Enrollment Period
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Common Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
If you have employer coverage past 65
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The 7-month IEP at a glance
The IEP is the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the birthday month itself, and the 3 months after — for a total of 7 months. Enrolling before the birthday month means coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. Enrolling during or after delays the start by 1–3 months.
Why missing the IEP is expensive
- Part B late-enrollment penalty. 10% of the base Part B premium added permanently for every full 12-month period you went without coverage when eligible. That penalty stays attached to your premium for the rest of your life.
- GEP coverage doesn't start until July. If you missed your IEP, the next chance to enroll is January 1 – March 31 (GEP), with coverage starting July 1 — so you can be uninsured for over half a year.
- Special Enrollment Periods exist for good reasons. If you had qualifying employer coverage past 65, you usually get an 8-month SEP after that coverage ends — no penalty, immediate enrollment.