In the event that you missed your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and need to enroll in Medicare, don’t despair. You can still enroll during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or the General Enrollment Period (GEP). If you do not yet know your deadlines, check our Medicare Deadline Calculator.
Enrolling in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period
Medicare created the GEP largely for those who missed their initial enrollment deadlines. GEP always occurs between January 1 and March 31 each year. During this period you can take on Medicare Part B but there are a few things to take into account:
- Enlisting during the GEP means your coverage will begin on July 1. Until that day, you won’t be covered by Medicare.
- Enrolling in Medicare during the GEP also means you will be subject to a Part B penalty.
If you want to know when your coverage will start, you can read our updated article: Medicare Part B: New Start Dates For Coverage In 2023
Enrolling in Medicare during the Special Enrollment Period
In the event that you qualify for Medicare’s Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Medicare while you still have work-based coverage without having to pay any penalties whatsoever. You also have this chance for eight months after you lose your employment-based insurance or you (or your spouse) stop working, whichever comes first.
What happens after I enroll in Medicare?
After you get Medicare, you will probably want to purchase additional coverage such as Medicare Advantage (MA), Part D drugs, or a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap). Since Medicare only covers 80% of your costs and does not cover drugs, having additional insurance up your sleeve just makes sense. We here at Senior65.com can help you review and enroll in MA, Medigap and Part D over the phone. Just call us at 800-930-7956, there is no additional cost to you. You can also get a quote and apply directly online for Medigap using the button below.