Does the 7 month Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) refer to calendar months or actual days?

Calendar months. The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven (7) month period centered around an individual’s 65th birthday month. It includes the individual’s birthday month, the three (3) calendar months prior to the birthday month, and the three (3) calendar months after the birthday month. For this reason, the IEP is sometimes referred to as the “3-1-3” period. For example, if your birthday is on May 15, your Initial Enrollment Period would begin on February 1 and end on August 31. This includes the three (3) calendar months prior to your birthday (February, March, and April), your birthday month (May), and the three (3) calendar months after your birthday (June, July, and August). 

Note: If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period is distributed differently. It will include the four (4) calendar months before your birthday, your birthday month, and the two (2) calendar months after your birthday. Instead of a “3-1-3” distribution, it becomes a “4-1-2” distribution. For example, if your birthday is on May 1, your Initial Enrollment Period would begin on January 1 and end on July 31. This includes the four (4) calendar months prior to your birthday (January, February, March, and April), your birthday month (May), and the two (2) calendar months after your birthday (June and July).