An individual who is not subject to Part A buy-in as discussed in HI 00801.140 may only enroll for Premium-HI during the
following periods:
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Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the IEP begins 3 months before the first month of
eligibility (generally, the month of attainment of age 65; see HI 00801.131 C. for exceptions) and continues for 7 months. Coverage based on an IEP enrollment begins
as provided for in HI 00805.165. The IEP for Premium-HI is generally the same as the IEP for SMI.
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General Enrollment Period (GEP): the GEP is January through March of each year. Coverage
based on a GEP enrollment begins the first day of the month following the month of
enrollment.
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Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – Group Health Plan: this SEP is an enrollment opportunity
for individuals whose employer group health plan coverage based on current employment
has ended. (See HI 00805.265ff. for a complete discussion of the GHP SEP provisions).
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Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – Exceptional Conditions: these SEPs are for individuals
who are eligible for Medicare on any basis and may enroll (or re-enroll) in Medicare
Part B Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) and Part A Premium Hospital Insurance
(HI) during any months that fall within the duration of the specific exceptional conditions
SEPs described in HI 00805.382.
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Transfer Enrollment Period: This is a special enrollment opportunity for Medicare
beneficiaries who are also Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Competitive Medical
Plan (CMP) enrollees and whose HMO or CMP enrollment is terminated either on a voluntary
basis or because of termination of the HMO or CMP contract. (See HI 00801.143 for further discussion.)