When and How to Enroll in Medicare

Timing is everything with Medicare. Enroll at the right time, and your coverage will be smooth from day one. Wait too long, and you could face late penalties that last for life.

I’m Jake McGeoy, your local Medicare agent, and I’ll walk you through when and how to sign up so you avoid costly mistakes.

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – Your First Chance

You have a 7-month window to enroll:

Starts: 3 months before the month you turn 65
Includes: Your birthday month
Ends: 3 months after your birthday month

Jake’s Tip: If you want your coverage to start on time, enroll early — ideally before your birthday month.

2. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) – For Life Changes

You may qualify for an SEP if:

You (or your spouse) are still working past 65 and have employer coverage
You lose other health coverage
You move to a new area with different Medicare plan options

SEPs let you enroll or switch plans without penalty — but the window is usually only 8 months after you lose employer coverage.

3. General Enrollment Period (GEP) – If You Missed Your First Chance

Runs January 1 – March 31 each year.
Coverage starts July 1, and you may face late penalties. This is the fallback option if you missed both IEP and SEP.

4. Annual Election Period (AEP) – For Plan Changes

Runs October 15 – December 7 each year.

Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Change or join a Part D prescription plan
Your new coverage starts January 1

How to Enroll

Online: At Social Security’s website
Phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
In Person: Visit your local Social Security office
With Jake’s Help: I’ll guide you through the forms, deadlines, and plan choices — at no cost to you

Avoid penalties. Avoid gaps. Call Jake McGeoy at 443-797-3923 and I’ll make sure you enroll in the right plan, at the right time, with the right coverage.