Missing a Medicare enrollment window can mean months without coverage — and permanent penalties. Here's what you need to know.
Source: The enrollment period information on this page is drawn from Medicare.gov, the official U.S. government resource for Medicare. Rules and dates are subject to change — always verify your specific situation with a licensed insurance agent or Medicare.gov.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window surrounding the month you turn 65. This is the most important enrollment window — and for most people, the optimal time to make decisions about Medicare coverage.
During your IEP, you can enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan without medical underwriting — meaning insurers cannot deny you or charge you more based on your health history. This is the one time you are guaranteed access to any Medigap plan. That window closes after your IEP ends, and getting Medigap coverage later can be difficult or impossible depending on your health.
If you or your spouse are still actively working at 65 and covered by a qualifying employer group health plan, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty. When that coverage ends, you get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up.
8 months starting the month after your employer coverage ends or employment ends, whichever comes first.
COBRA and retiree coverage do not qualify. The SEP is based on active employment — not continuation coverage.
If you missed your IEP and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during the General Enrollment Period.
Part B: Your monthly premium increases 10% for each full 12-month period you went without Part B when you were eligible. This penalty is permanent — it stays with you for as long as you have Part B.
Part D: 1% of the national base beneficiary premium multiplied by the number of months you went without creditable drug coverage. Also permanent.
Switch between Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan). One change allowed.
Medicare rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based on quality, member satisfaction, and performance. If a 5-star rated plan is available in your county, you have a special opportunity to switch to it outside of regular enrollment periods.
Availability matters: You can only use this SEP if a 5-star plan is actually offered in your specific Nevada county. Availability changes year to year. I can check what's available in your area.
Nevada law (AB 250, effective January 1, 2022) gives Medigap policyholders an annual opportunity to review and change their plan — without medical underwriting. This means insurers cannot ask about your health history or deny you during this window.
Free look period: Once you're enrolled in your new plan, you have 30 days to decide if you want to keep it. If you change your mind, you can return to your original plan. Be aware that during this period you'll pay premiums on both plans simultaneously.
The right plan depends on your situation. Let's figure it out together.