Skip to main content
EnrollMedicare.com - Sign up for Medicare with confidence

Initial Enrollment Period

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can first sign up for Medicare.
Aaron Sims
Reviewed byAaron Sims

Medicare Term

Definition

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can first sign up for Medicare.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month period when you can first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. Signing up during this window helps you avoid late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.

Explore more Medicare terms

Browse our full glossary to understand all the terminology you'll encounter when signing up for Medicare.

View full glossary
Back to glossary
844-748-9070Get Help

Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET • Sat 10am–6pm ET