Medicare Part B underwent changes in 2023 and have new start dates for coverage. Gone are the days of confusing start dates based on your enrollment date. Read this article and stay up to date on these Medicare changes.
Stay up-to-date with the latest changes to Medicare Part B coverage that have come into effect this year. These updates bring enhanced clarity and convenience to beneficiaries. Let’s explore what has changed.
Medicare Part B: New Start Dates for coverage
Starting January 1, 2023, there is an important change regarding the start date of your Medicare Part B coverage.
If you signed up during the last three months of your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), your coverage now starts on the first day of the following month. So basically your coverage will begin the first of the month following when you enroll. Sounds logical but Medicare used to have this convoluted waiting period depending on when you signed up during your initial open enrollment. This adjustment ensures a more seamless transition to Medicare Part B by eliminating the weird previous two to three-month waiting period.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you have another opportunity each year during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP lasts from January 1 through March 31. Starting January 1, 2023, your coverage begins on the first day of the month following your enrollment. There may be penalties if you wait for GEP so we recommend enrolling during your IEP.
If you’re interested in having supplemental coverage to help you pay for most of the amounts overdrawn with Medicare, you can also sign up for a Medigap plan. Click on the buttons below and learn more.
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What Remains Unchanged with Medicare
Certain aspects of Medicare Part B enrollment remain the same, providing continuity and familiarity for eligible individuals:
-Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): If you are eligible at age 65, your IEP remains unchanged. It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you enrolled automatically or signed up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage began promptly. If you signed up in the month you turned 65, your coverage started on the first day of the following month.
-General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed your IEP, the GEP from January 1 through March 31 provides another opportunity to sign up for Medicare Part B. Starting January 1, 2023, if you enroll during the GEP, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. (Source)
To gain a comprehensive understanding of these updates, visit our Medicare Easy Guide and contact Senior65.com for more information. Share this valuable article with someone who may benefit from it.