Medicare is a federal-government-backed health insurance plan meant for people who are 65 and older, certain younger individuals with select disabilities, and people who are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
Seniors usually have seven months to enroll for Medicare — this includes the three months before one’s 65th birthday, the birthday month, and the three months after one’s 65th birthday. If one has forgotten to enroll for Medicare, they can re-enroll, but only at certain times. People who’ve missed the initial enrollment may also have to pay a late-enrollment penalty unless they are eligible to enroll during the special enrollment period (SEP).
When Is the Earliest that People Can Enroll for Medicare?
Unless one qualifies for Medicare because of a disability, the earliest one can sign up for coverage is during the initial enrollment period.
If one qualifies for premium-free Part A coverage, they can sign up for that coverage anytime during the initial enrollment period or even after that without paying the penalty.
Part B, which offers coverage for outpatient and doctor services, is not too flexible. If one has missed enrolling during the initial enrollment period, they may be able to sign up later during the special enrollment period without paying the penalty.
What to Do if One Doesn’t Qualify for Enrollment During the Special Enrollment Period
If a person has missed enrolling during the initial enrollment period and they don’t qualify for the special enrollment period, they can enroll during the general enrollment period, which goes on between January 1 and March 31 every year. That said, while coverage will be offered, people who enroll during the general enrollment period may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
Keep in mind that the penalty and enrollment rules are different for Medicare Part D. People who missed enrolling for Part D coverage during the initial enrollment period can sign up later without having to pay the penalty if they had what Medicare calls “creditable coverage” during the period in which they weren’t signed up for Medicare Part D.