Medicare Coverage General Enrollment Period | Medicare Made Clear

If You Miss Initial Enrollment

Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Computer Image

Medicare provides a General Enrollment Period (GEP) every year for people who missed signing up when they were first eligible. It’s like make-up time for Medicare enrollment. 

The GEP is January 1 – March  31  every year. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can enroll in Part A, Part B or both during this time.
  • Coverage begins on July 1 of the same year.
  • You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
  • You may be eligible enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a prescription drug (Part D) plan April 1 – June 30 of the same year.

General Enrollment Period

Looking to enroll in a Part C or D plan?

You need to understand your options to choose a Medicare plan based on your needs.

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Changing Plans After Enrolling in Medicare

Once you’re enrolled in Parts A and B, you have a chance to change plans once a year during Medicare Open Enrollment, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. You may also qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP). A SEP allows you to change plans outside of Medicare Open Enrollment in certain situations, such as if you move.

You know when, now learn how to enroll in Medicare.

You will have to take steps to enroll yourself.

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