Initial Enrollment

Whether you are eligible due to age or due to a disability, you will be granted an Initial Enrollment Period once you become eligible for Medicare. Through this enrollment period, you will have an easier time applying for and enrolling in your chosen coverage.

If you’ve never heard of the Initial Enrollment Period, here is everything you need to know.

What is the Initial Enrollment Period?

The Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday. Once it begins, you have the month of your birthday, and three months following that date to enroll. When your benefits start will depend on when you decided to enroll during this period.

Why Enroll During the Initial Enrollment Period?

Enrolling during the Initial Enrollment Period is normally a good idea because doing so allows you to completely avoid late enrollment penalties. While it is possible to avoid these penalties if you have qualifying coverage from another source, people who don’t have other coverage will be liable to pay a late enrollment penalty that will be added to your monthly premium.

What if I Miss My Initial Enrollment Period?

If you happen to miss your Initial Enrollment Period, don’t worry. There are several other enrollment periods that you can use. Special Enrollment Periods, for example, are granted to people who have unique circumstances that kept them from enrolling during the Initial Enrollment Period. General Enrollment, on the other hand, is an enrollment period that occurs annually, giving people the chance to enroll outside of their IEP.

Enroll in Medicare Advantage

You can use your Initial Enrollment Period to get started with a Medicare Advantage Plan, Original Medicare, and Part D prescription drug coverage. If you plan on getting one of these plans, you should get help finding the best coverage. Wealth Planning is here for you. Contact us now to get started with a free consultation.