General Enrollment Period (GEP)
The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage begins the month after you enroll, and late-enrollment penalties may apply.
Understanding General Enrollment Period (GEP)
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. It is the fallback window for people who did not sign up for Medicare Part A or Part B when they were first eligible and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage purchased during the GEP now begins the first day of the month after you enroll.
For beneficiaries, the GEP is a second chance, but it can come with consequences. If you delayed Part B without other creditable coverage, you may owe a Part B late enrollment penalty that is added to your premium for as long as you have Medicare. There can also be a gap in coverage between when you were first eligible and when GEP coverage starts.
For example, if you turned 65 two years ago, skipped Part B, and finally enroll in February, your coverage starts in March — and your premium could carry a 20% lifetime penalty for the two 12-month periods you went without it.
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Related Terms
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window when you first become eligible for Medicare, usually around your 65th birthday. It includes 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your birthday.
Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP)
A late enrollment penalty is a permanent surcharge added to your Part B or Part D premium if you go without coverage after you are first eligible and lack other creditable coverage. The penalty grows the longer you wait.
Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B is medical insurance covering doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, and durable medical equipment. It has a monthly premium and an annual deductible, after which you typically pay 20% coinsurance.
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