It’s essential to be aware of your enrollment deadlines when you first become eligible for Medicare. If you miss a deadline or delay an enrollment, you may face a delay of benefits or be assessed penalties that could last for years.

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7 month window that begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month and then closes at the end of the third month following your birthday.

For example, if your birthday is May 26th, your IEP begins in February and extend through August. If you fail to enroll for any of the plans during this window, you will be assessed a penalty on that plan.

There are several other enrollment periods that may also apply, such as Annual Enrollment (AEP), Open Enrollment (OEP), General Enrollment (GEP) and Special Enrollment (SEP).