The answer
What is the Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare?
The Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare.
It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Enrolling in the three months before your birthday helps your coverage start the month you turn 65. If you wait until your birthday month or later, your start date can be pushed back. People who qualify before 65 through disability get an Initial Enrollment Period built around their 25th month of disability benefits. Missing this window can lead to a late penalty unless you have other qualifying coverage. To map out your exact dates, reach out to a licensed Goodsurance advisor at 1-888-301-8091 (TTY 711), Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm PT.