When Should You Enroll in Medicare?
Turning 65 soon? It might be time to start thinking about Medicare. Enrolling at the right time is important to avoid late penalties and ensure continuous coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window:
3 months before your 65th birthday
The month of your birthday
3 months after
During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Enrolling early—before your birthday month—helps avoid delays in coverage.
Still Working at 65?
If you or your spouse are still working and have employer-sponsored coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. But it’s important to understand the rules, so you don’t miss key deadlines later.
Missed the IEP? There’s a General Enrollment Period.
If you didn’t enroll during your IEP, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31, but coverage won’t start until July—and you may face late penalties.
We’re Here to Help
At Valora Benefits Group, we’ll guide you through your Medicare options, deadlines, and what makes the most sense for your situation.
📞 Call us at (616) 287-3223 or schedule a free consultation today!
