The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is typically 7 months. It begins three months before the individual’s birthday and ends 3 months after the birthday. If an individual’s birthday falls on the first day of the month, his IEP will begin and end one month earlier. If an individual is covered due to a qualifying disability, his IEP will be based on the 25th month after receiving benefits. Typically Original Medicare coverage begins on the first day of the month when the individual turns 65. If the birthday falls on falls on the first day of the month, Original Medicare coverage will begin on the first day of the prior month.
A qualified individual may enroll in a Medicare supplement plan at any time. However, the individual may be denied coverage or incur increased charges based on his health history if he enrolls outside the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period of October 15 through December 7. The General Medicare Open Enrollment Period (as well as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period) runs from January 1 through March 31, during which enrollees are allowed to change to any different plan.