When does the initial coverage election period start and end for someone new to Medicare?
The ICEP begins 3 months before your entitlement to both Part A and Part B, and ends on the later of two months after that entitlement month or the end of your Part B initial enrollment period.
What the rule says
“The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA-eligible individual may make an initial election. This period begins 3 months before the month the individual is first entitled to both Part A and Part B and ends on the later of—”
“The last day of the second month after the month in which they are first entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B; or”
“If after May 15, 2006, the last day of the individual's Part B initial enrollment period.”
The CY 2027 enrollment guidance describes the same rule with an added detail on timing:
“Always begins three months prior to the date an individual has both Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time.”
“NOTE: The ICEP and the IEP for Part D occur together as one period when a newly Medicare eligible individual has enrolled in both Part A and B at first eligibility (see § 30.1). Should an individual delay enrollment into Part B to a later time, the ICEP and IEP for Part D become separate with the ICEP changing to then occur as the 3 months immediately preceding entitlement to both parts A and B and ending on the last day of the second month after the month in which they are first entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B.”
This answer relies in part on the CY 2027 enrollment guidance, which applies to enrollment requests received on or after January 1, 2027 (and may be applied by plans to AEP enrollments effective January 1, 2027).
Carrier and FMO rules are often stricter than CMS rules. This tool reports what CMS sources say and is not legal advice. Enrollment guidance shown is the CY 2027 version. Regulation text reflects the CY 2027 marketing rules, which apply to marketing beginning October 1, 2026.
This answer was generated by mapdbot from the sources listed below on September 23, 2026 and checked against them. Regulation text: eCFR as of 09/15/2026. It is for licensed insurance agents, is not legal advice, and does not cover carrier or FMO rules.
Sources cited
Related questions
- When do I use IEP vs. ICEP?
- Can I enroll this client today, or do they have to wait until AEP?
- Does a Medicare Advantage plan have to accept my client's application if they apply during the annual election period?
- When does an enrollment made during the annual election period take effect?
- When does coverage start for someone who enrolls in an MA plan during their initial coverage election period?