Enrollment Periods

The following information is a discussion of Social Security Administration's enrollment periods. This information does not change the MC requirements for certain individuals to apply for Medicare. In general, there are two periods of time during which a person may enroll in Medicare. An individual can enroll in Medicare during his/her initial enrollment period (IEP), or during the general enrollment period (GEP).

Initial Enrollment Period

The initial enrollment period (IEP) is the period of time when an individual can first apply for Medicare. There are different IEPs for different categories of people. The following is a list of the IEPs for individuals age 65, aged Non-citizens who meet their 5 years U.S. residency, and other individuals who are Medi-Cal eligible. Individuals in other special situations who have Medicare questions should be referred to Social Security Administration. EWs are encouraged to advise clients to apply for Medicare benefits during their IEP.

Individuals Age 65

The IEP for individuals age 65 is 3 months before turning age 65 until 3 months after turning age 65.

Aged Non-citizens Who Meet Their 5 Years U.S. Residency

The IEP for aged non-citizens who meet their 5 years U.S. residency is 3 months before the month of their 5th anniversary (of continuous U.S. residency) until 3 months after the month of their 5th anniversary (of continuous U.S. residency).

Individuals Eligible for Medi-Cal

For Medi-Cal recipients who are aged, the IEP for Medicare Part A is the same seven-month period as defined above.

For all Medi-Cal recipients, the IEP for Medicare Part B is not limited to any defined enrollment period, due to the State Part B Buy-In agreement. The enrollment period for Part B is when an individual becomes Medi-Cal eligible and Buy-In takes place.

General Enrollment Period

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is the period of time from January through March of each year.

Individuals who do not enroll for Medicare benefits during their IEP can sign up during this general enrollment period. Medicare benefits are effective in July of the same year.
Occasionally the Social Security Administration will extend the GEP.

General Enrollment Changes

Beginning January 1, 2023, when an individual enrolls for Medicare benefits anytime during the GEP, the individual’s coverage becomes effective the first day of the following month.