6How to Defer Medicare Coverage
Special Enrolment Periods
You need to enroll in Medicare within 8 months of the termination of the current insurance plans to avoid late penalties. This is called the special enrolment period. Some special events would trigger this period, including losing the current coverage. When this occurs, do not wait for the coming open enrolment period. Otherwise, there would be a lapse in coverage and late penalties. Keep in mind that the special enrolment period of 8 months does not include months covered by COBRA. For instance, if you quit your job in June but keep paying COBRA coverage for July and August, the special enrolment period should start in June. [6]












