What Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)?
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. It is for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does GEP coverage start?
- Coverage starts the month after you sign up during the GEP. For example, enrolling in February means coverage begins March 1.
- Will I have a penalty?
- Likely yes. The Part B penalty is 10% for each full 12-month period you went without Part B when you could have had it.
- Can I use the GEP for Part A?
- You can sign up for Part A at any time after you're eligible — there's no restricted enrollment period for Part A.