When Can You Sign Up for Medicare? Your 7-Month Enrollment Window Explained

Turning 65 is a milestone — and one of the most important financial decisions that comes with it is enrolling in Medicare at the right time. Miss your window, and you could pay a late enrollment penalty for the rest of your life.

Here's everything you need to know about your Medicare enrollment timeline.

What Is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?

The Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window during which you can first sign up for Medicare. It's tied to your 65th birthday and works like this:

• 3 months before your birthday month
• Your birthday month
• 3 months after your birthday month

For example, if you turn 65 in March, your IEP runs from December through June.

Why Does Timing Matter?

If you enroll during the first 3 months of your IEP (before your birthday month), your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll during or after your birthday month, your start date is delayed.

More importantly: if you miss your IEP entirely, you'll have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year), and your coverage won't start until July 1. Worse, you may owe a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your Part B premium every month for as long as you have Medicare.

What About Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

If you're already on Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year. This is your once-a-year chance to:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
• Change your Medicare Advantage plan
• Add, drop, or switch your Part D prescription drug plan

Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming employer coverage protects you

If you're still working at 65 and covered by an employer plan, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty — but the rules are specific. Always verify with a licensed agent before assuming you're exempt.

2. Not comparing plans

Medicare isn't one-size-fits-all. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D drug plans all have different costs, networks, and coverage rules. A free review with a licensed agent can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

3. Missing the deadline

The penalty for late Part B enrollment is 10% added to your premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. On a $185/month premium, that adds up fast.

Get Free Help — No Appointment Needed

If you're turning 65 or it's time to review your Medicare plan during Open Enrollment, licensed agent Nava Abramoff is available at a free Medicare help kiosk at Ralph's Granada Hills starting October 5.

Kiosk Schedule:

Every Monday & Thursday · 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

October 5 – December 7, 2026

(Closed November 23–27 for Thanksgiving)

Ralph's Granada Hills

16940 Devonshire St, Granada Hills, CA 91344

Nava represents top Medicare carriers and her service is 100% free to you. Walk in anytime during kiosk hours, or reserve your spot online.

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Nava Abramoff is a licensed insurance agent (CA #0F45500). Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. This is not a government website.