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What Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

Medicare General Enrollment Period

There are several different enrollment periods for Medicare, such as the Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period, and Special Enrollment Period. In this article, we’ll examine all of what the Medicare General Enrollment Period is about.

The General Enrollment Period is a chance for eligible individuals to register for Medicare Part A and Part B if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period.

About the Medicare General Enrollment Period

Individuals who are newly eligible for Medicare can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period. For people who qualify for Medicare due to age, the Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before they turn 65 and ends three months after their 65th birthday. During this period, you can enroll for Original Medicare with no late enrollment penalty.

However, if you do not enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll for Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period starts on January 1 and ends on March 31 every year. If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and you choose to enroll for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, there is a possibility you could face late enrollment penalties.

The late enrollment penalty will be added to your Medicare premiums. The penalty may vary depending on how long you failed to register after your Initial Enrollment Period. The late enrollment penalty may also be a lifetime penalty, this means you may continue to pay the penalty for as long as you are enrolled in Medicare.

Who Can Enroll for Medicare During This Period?

Individuals who are eligible for Medicare can enroll during the General Enrollment Period if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period. Your coverage will become active on July 1 if you sign up during this period.

Some beneficiaries are eligible for premium-free Part A and are automatically enrolled in Part A. If you are not automatically enrolled in premium-free Part A and you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period and your coverage will also start on July 1.

It is advisable to sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, though, so you can avoid the late enrollment penalties. If you missed this period, you could also enroll during a Special Enrollment Period as long as you qualify. If you qualify and enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, you will most likely not have to pay late enrollment penalties.

Reach out to us today at 832-308-0123 for more information and help with Medicare enrollment periods.

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