Generally, when you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts for 7 months - starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month, including your birthday month, and extending 3 months after your birthday month.
Your 7-month period starts earlier. It starts 4 months before you turn 65 and ends 2 months after the month you turn 65. Generally, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month before you turn 65.
Example
Your birthday is June 1st. When you turn 65, your Initial Enrollment Period is February–August. If you sign up in February, March, or April, your coverage starts May 1st.
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Licensed Agent, REMEDIGAP Founder
Michael Quinn is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over a decade of experience and has helped over 1000 clients with their Medicare Supplement needs. Michael has been consulted as an expert insurance source for dozens of high-profile websites such as USA Today, Yahoo.com, NerdWallet, Bankrate, ThinkAdvisor, The Epoch Times, and many more.
Joann Quinn
Licensed Agent, REMEDIGAP Founder
Joann Quinn is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over a decade of experience and has personally helped thousands of clients with their Medicare Supplement questions and needs. Joann has been consulted as a Medicare expert for high-profile websites and runs a very popular YouTube channel that focuses on understanding the complexities of Medicare.