General Enrollment Period (GEP)

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is a period when individuals who didn't enroll in Medicare Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) can enroll. The GEP occurs from January 1 to March 31 of each year, and coverage will start on July 1 of that year.

Here are some key features of the General Enrollment Period:

• The GEP is available for individuals who did not enroll in Medicare Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month period surrounding the individual's 65th birthday.

• During the GEP, individuals can enroll in Medicare Part B, but they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which is an additional monthly premium that is added to their Medicare Part B premium for as long as they have Medicare Part B.

• Coverage for those who enroll during the GEP will start on July 1 of that year.

• Individuals who missed their IEP and the GEP may be able to enroll in Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they meet certain criteria, such as losing group health coverage.

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