Missed Your Chance Last Year? The General Enrollment Period Is Open Now

Key Takeaways

• The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is currently open and runs from January 1 to March 31, 2025. This is your opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period.

• Coverage for those who enroll during this window begins on July 1, 2025. Missing this period can lead to delays in coverage and permanent late enrollment penalties.

What Is the General Enrollment Period?

If you didn’t sign up for Medicare when you were first eligible and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period (GEP) gives you another chance. It happens every year from January 1 through March 31.

This enrollment window is specifically for Medicare Part A and Part B. If you’re not already enrolled in these parts and don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, this is your only time during the year to sign up unless you experience a qualifying life event.

Who Should Use the GEP?

You should consider using the General Enrollment Period if:

• You missed your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday.

• You didn’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to working past age 65 or having employer coverage.

• You’re not enrolled in Medicare Part A or B and don’t want to wait another full year to get started.

This period is crucial if you’ve aged into Medicare eligibility but have yet to take action. The longer you delay, the more complications and expenses you may face.

What You Can Enroll In During the GEP

The General Enrollment Period only allows enrollment in:

• Medicare Part A – Hospital insurance, covering inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.

• Medicare Part B – Medical insurance, covering outpatient care, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.

You cannot use the GEP to enroll in:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

• Medigap (Supplement Insurance)

However, once your Part A and/or B coverage becomes active on July 1, you may then explore additional coverage options during other periods.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Understanding the timeline is essential. Here’s what to remember in 2025:

• GEP Enrollment Window: January 1 – March 31, 2025

• Coverage Start Date: July 1, 2025

If you enroll on January 1 or wait until March 31, your Medicare coverage will begin the same day: July 1. There is no difference in start date based on how early you apply during this period, but delaying until the last minute can risk administrative processing delays.

Late Enrollment Penalties

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period may subject you to lifetime penalties:

• Part A Penalty: If you have to buy Part A and you don’t sign up when first eligible, your monthly premium could go up by 10%. You’ll pay this penalty for twice the number of years you didn’t sign up.

• Part B Penalty: For each 12-month period you delay enrollment, your premium may increase by 10%. This penalty is permanent.

These penalties can add up quickly. The General Enrollment Period gives you a chance to stop the clock and avoid further increases.

What Happens After You Enroll

Once you submit your enrollment application between January and March, Medicare will process your request and send you confirmation of your coverage. Here’s what follows:

• You receive your Medicare card with the effective date of July 1, 2025.

• You become eligible to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan starting three months before your Part A/B coverage begins.

• You may also become eligible to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan during a Special Enrollment Period tied to your GEP enrollment.

You cannot delay action once July 1 coverage begins, so plan in advance.

Special Enrollment Periods Still Apply

Not everyone needs to use the General Enrollment Period. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if:

• You were covered by group health insurance through your or your spouse’s current employer.

• You lost employer coverage within the past 8 months.

• You moved or experienced a significant life change.

In these cases, you may enroll outside the General Enrollment Period without penalties. But if no SEP applies to you, the GEP is your fallback.

What About Medicare Advantage and Part D?

If you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or B) during the GEP, you cannot immediately join a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan.

However, once your coverage begins on July 1, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to choose:

• A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which bundles Part A, Part B, and often Part D.

• A standalone Part D drug plan if you prefer to stay with Original Medicare.

It’s critical to act promptly during the SEP to avoid gaps in drug coverage and out-of-pocket surprises.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Another Year

Waiting until next year’s General Enrollment Period (January 2026) has real consequences:

• Your health needs may grow while you remain uninsured.

• You could be responsible for full medical bills with no coverage.

• Your penalty for late enrollment will increase further.

Enrolling this year means:

• You’ll get access to preventive services and doctor visits starting July 1.

• You can begin comparing drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans ahead of time.

• You’re establishing a baseline of protection against costly medical bills.

Coordinating With Other Benefits

If you qualify for Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, or other federal/state health programs, it’s important to coordinate those benefits with Medicare.

• Enrolling in Medicare does not cancel your eligibility for these programs.

• You may receive additional help with costs such as premiums, deductibles, or prescription drugs.

A licensed agent listed on this website can help you assess whether your additional benefits work well with Medicare.

Tips for a Smooth Enrollment

To ensure timely and error-free enrollment:

• Apply early in the GEP window (January–February)

• Use the official Social Security website to apply for Medicare

• Confirm your application has been processed by contacting Social Security

• Prepare documents including your birth certificate, proof of residency, and prior coverage details if requested

Taking action early in the enrollment period gives you peace of mind and time to plan the next steps.

Still Not Sure If You Should Enroll?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Are you 65 or older and not enrolled in Medicare?

• Do you lack any other form of creditable health coverage?

• Do you want to avoid further penalties and delays?

If you answered yes to any of these, the General Enrollment Period is likely your best—and only—opportunity for the year.

Don’t Miss the Medicare Window That’s Open Right Now

This is your moment to take action. The General Enrollment Period is short and only comes once per year. Don’t assume you’ll be fine without Medicare—your health and your finances could suffer the longer you wait.

Medicare is complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you have questions or need help understanding your enrollment options, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website. They can walk you through the process, clarify timelines, and help you explore your next steps after July 1.