Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)

What is the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

You’ve likely heard about enrollment periods if you’re new to Medicare. These are critical times to sign up for Medicare or make plan changes.

An enrollment period you may utilize is called the General Enrollment Period – it can also be referred to as the Open Enrollment Period. Continue reading to learn what this enrollment period is, when it takes place, and how it relates to you.

What is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) allows Medicare-eligibles to enroll in Original Medicare Part A and B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period or don’t qualify to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

The General Enrollment Period is not for changing plans. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and want to change your plan, mark the Annual Enrollment Period on your calendar. That happens every year between October 15th and December 7th.

Alternatively, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to explore the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This period happens annually between January 1st and March 31st – giving you the opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.

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Who’s Eligible to Enroll During the General Enrollment Period?

You can enroll during the General Enrollment Period if you are Medicare-eligible. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following three criteria:

• You’re 65 or older.
• You’re under 65 with eligible disabilities, according to the Social Security Administration.
• You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

If you meet one of these three criteria and missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period.

When is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

The General Enrollment Period happens every year between January 1st through March 31st. During this time, Medicare-eligibles who didn’t enroll in Medicare Part A and B – when first eligible – can sign up. The coverage will begin effective from July 1st of that year.

It’s important to note that if you sign up during this period, you may be liable to pay higher premiums because of late enrollment penalties. The higher premium is a cost you’ll pay for not enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period and is a penalty you’ll have for life.

Are you sure you missed your Initial Enrollment Period? Call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a licensed Connie Health agent in your community. We’ll ensure you enroll at the best time.

Agent tip:

“If you enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, you’ll likely have lifetime enrollment penalties. If you can, enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.“

How Do I Enroll During the General Enrollment Period?

You should contact the Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or B during the General Enrollment Period. You can sign up for Medicare on their website or by visiting a local office. Once you’ve signed up for Original Medicare, Connie Health can help you explore expanded coverage.

Because Original Medicare doesn’t have a maximum out-of-pocket, the majority of people sign up for either a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan that pays for some or all of Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket expenses and Part D prescription drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

A Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Part C, provides the same level of coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B but with additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D). It’s essential to compare the different plans and choose one that meets your healthcare and budget needs.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

• Free, unbiased service
• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience

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General Enrollment Period for Medicare Part B

You can still enroll if you enrolled in Medicare Part A but previously declined Part B. Enrolling during the General Enrollment Period could work depending on why you initially declined to enroll in Medicare Part B.

If you’re confused about when to enroll in Medicare, call to speak with a Connie Health licensed agent in your community—call (623) 223-8884 to get the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The General Enrollment Period, or the Open Enrollment Period, is the time to enroll in Original Medicare Part A and B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period happens from January 1 through March 31 annually. And coverage would begin July 1st. You’ll likely face a lifetime late enrollment penalty for missing your Initial Enrollment Period and signing up during the General Enrollment Period. 

When is the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1st through March 31st each year. During this time, anyone eligible for Medicare but didn’t enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period can sign up for Parts A, and B. Remember that if you enroll during the General Enrollment Period, you’ll likely face lifetime late enrollment penalties for missing your Initial Enrollment Period.

How to enroll in Medicare General Enrollment Period?

The General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1st through March 31st each year, allows those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Parts A and B of Medicare. To enroll during this period, you can call the Social Security Administration, visit their website, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Remember that if you enroll during this period, your coverage will begin on July 1st.