Turning 65

When you first become eligible to receive Medicare benefits, this period is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). For most people who become eligible for Medicare at age 65, the IEP is a seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months after your birthday month. For example, if you turn 65 on May 18, your IEP would begin on February 1 and continue through August 31. This is an important opportunity to enroll in Medicare and make sure you have the health coverage you need.

Enrolling early in Medicare offers several benefits. If you submit your application during the three months leading up to your birthday month, your coverage will start on the very first day of that month. For instance, if you decide to apply in March, your coverage will take effect on May 1st—making it a wonderful early birthday gift!

If you apply for Medicare in the three months after your birthday month, your coverage will begin the first of the month following your application. In this example, if you apply in June, July or August, your coverage start date will be the first day of the following month after your application is received. It is important to note that you may pay a penalty or have a gap in coverage if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible.

To find out when you’re eligible to enroll in Healthy Arkansas, Inc., click here.