Initial Election Period (IEP)

What is it?

It is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65 or 3 months before your 25th month of disability. It is used to enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D, and includes the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after the triggering event, such as turning 65.

We do realize that not everyone is familiar with the various election periods, so this article is informational only to help you be aware and make informed decisions. We hope you have found it helpful, but it is recommended you speak to a licensed health insurance representative that specializes in Medicare to help you to find the best coverage to fit your needs.

 

Election Periods

Annual Election Period(AEP) October 15th – December 7th

Open Enrollment Period(OEP) January 1st – March 31st

Special Election Periods

  •  I moved to a new address that isn’t in my plan’s area

  • I moved to a new address that is still in my plan’s service area, but I have new plan options in my new location

  • I moved back to the U.S. after living outside of the country

  • I just moved into, currently live in, or just moved out of an institution (like a skilled nursing facility or long-term care hospital)

  • I am released from jail

  • I have a chance to enroll in other coverage offered by my employer

  • I have or am enrolling in other drug coverage as good as Medicare prescription drug coverage (like TRICARE or VA coverage)

  • I enrolled in a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan

  • Medicare takes an official action (called “sanction”) because of a problem with the plan that affects me

  • Medicare ends (terminate) my plan’s contract

  • My Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or Medicare Cost Plan’s contract with Medicare is not renewed

  • I’m no longer eligible for Medicaid

  • I left coverage from my employer or union plan (including COBRA coverage)

  • I involuntarily lost other drug coverage that is as good as Medicare drug coverage(creditable coverage), or my other coverage changes and is no longer creditable

  • I have drug coverage through Medicare Cost Plan and I left the plan

  • I dropped my coverage in a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan

  • I am eligible for Medicare and Medicaid

  • I qualify for Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage

  • I am enrolled in a state Pharmaceutical Assistance Program or lose eligibility

  • I dropped a Medigap policy the first time I joined a Medicare Advantage Plan

  • I have a severe disabling condition and there is a Medicare Chronic Care Special Needs Plan available that serves people with my condition

  • I am enrolled in a Special Needs Plan and no longer have a condition that qualifies as a special need that plan serves

  • I joined a plan or chose not to join a plan due to an error by a federal employee

  • I wasn’t properly told that my other private drug coverage wasn’t as good as Medicare drug coverage

  • I wasn’t properly told that I was losing private drug coverage that was as good as Medicare drug coverage