When Will Your Medicare Coverage Kick In?

Medicare Enrollment

Medicare is meant to provide seniors with the health insurance that they need at an affordable cost. There are only certain times when you can enroll in Medicare, each of which have certain rules about when the coverage will begin. Knowing when you can enroll in Medicare and what the best time to do so is can help to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve.

The Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP, is the first time that you have the chance to sign up for Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. The IEP spans over 7 months and includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday. No matter when you enroll, your coverage will start no sooner than your birthday month.

The beginning of your Part B coverage will depend on when you signed up during the IEP, and is as follows:

  • If you sign up during the three months before your birthday, your coverage begins on the 1st day of your birthday month.
  • If you sign up during your birthday month, your coverage will start on the 1st day of the month after your birthday.
  • If you sign up the month after your birthday month, your coverage will start 3 months after your birthday.
  • If you sign up during the 2nd month after your birthday month, your coverage will start 5 months after your birthday month.
  • If you sign up for coverage during the 3rd month after your birthday, your coverage will start 6 months after your birthday month.

The beginning of your Part D coverage will also depend on when you enroll, and is as follows:

  • If you sign up the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your coverage will begin the 1st day of your birthday month.
  • If you sign up during your birthday month, your coverage will start on the 1st day of the month after your birthday.
  • If you sign up during the 3 months after your birthday, your coverage will start on the 1st day of the month following your enrollment.

For more information about your Medicare enrollment and coverage options, contact ISU Wissink Insurance in Culver City, California.