IEP (Initial Enrollment Period)

Full Definition

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month a person turns 65, includes the birthday month, and extends 3 months after. During IEP, consumers can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (MA), and Part D for the first time. Enrollment timing affects effective date: enrolling in the 3 months before the birthday month results in coverage starting the first of the birthday month; enrolling in the birthday month or after results in delayed effective dates (coverage begins the month after enrollment per 2023 rule changes). IEP is the single most valuable Medicare prospecting window because the consumer is making a first-time permanent coverage decision and has no existing carrier relationship. T65 leads — consumers inside their IEP — are the highest-priced Medicare leads.

Related Terms

• T65 (Turning 65) — Marketing shorthand for consumers approaching their 65th birthday who are entering their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.
• AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) — The October 15 – December 7 annual window during which Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
• SEP (Special Enrollment Period) — A year-round enrollment window triggered by qualifying life events — loss of coverage, move, marriage, income change — that allows enrollment outside OEP.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Private insurance plans that deliver Medicare Part A and B benefits (and usually Part D) as an alternative to Original Medicare.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — Private insurance that pays the out-of-pocket gaps (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) left by Original Medicare, standardized into lettered plan types.

Where This Applies on InsureLeads

• Medicare Leads
• Medicare OEP Leads
• ACA Open Enrollment Leads
• T65 Leads