What Happens If I Miss My Medicare Initial Enrollment Period? - Capstone Health

If you miss your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and do not have qualifying employer coverage, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, with coverage beginning later in the year. You may also face a permanent late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B. If you delay enrolling in Medicare Part D without having creditable prescription drug coverage, you may incur a Part D late enrollment penalty that remains for as long as you have drug coverage. In some cases, individuals who had employer-sponsored coverage may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing them to enroll without penalty after that coverage ends.