Missed Medicare Sign-Up? Learn About the General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you did not sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible, you may still have another opportunity. This is called the Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP).
When is the General Enrollment Period?
The GEP takes place January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll.
Who Is GEP For?
GEP is for people who:
- Did not sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B when first eligible and
- Do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
What Can You Enroll In During GEP?
During GEP, you can:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A (if you must pay a premium)
- Enroll in Medicare Part B
After enrolling in Parts A and B, you can also:
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan, or
- Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Important Things to Know
- Late enrollment penalties may apply
- Penalties usually last for as long as you have Medicare
- Coverage does not start immediately, so timing is important
Why Counseling Is Important
Medicare enrollment rules can be confusing, and mistakes can be costly. Before enrolling, it’s important to understand:
- Whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period instead
- How penalties may affect your long-term costs
- Which coverage option best fits your health and budget
Free Medicare Help in Santa Clara County
HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Santa Clara County residents. Our counselors can:
- Explain your enrollment options
- Help you avoid unnecessary penalties
- Assist with plan comparisons after you enroll
Contact HICAP today to schedule an appointment and make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage.
Call our Appointment Hotline at (408) 350-3288, or visit our Appointments page to view available in-person counseling sites throughout Santa Clara County.
This project was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $432,451.00 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Support provided by the California Department of Aging.