Medicare Glossary

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday during which you can first sign up for Medicare. It includes the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling during the first 3 months gets you the earliest coverage start.

Also known as: IEP

Inpatient Care

Care you receive when you are formally admitted to a hospital. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care after you meet your deductible. Being in a hospital as an inpatient is different from outpatient observation status, which is covered under Part B.