Key Takeaways
-
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1 to March 31, 2025, giving you a chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period.
-
Even though GEP offers another opportunity, late enrollment penalties still apply—and they can add up for every year you delay Part B (and in some cases Part A) without qualified coverage.
What Is the General Enrollment Period?
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is a fixed window every year—January 1 through March 31—when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
GEP is not meant to replace your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Instead, it acts as a safety net. If you didn’t sign up for Medicare when you first became eligible at age 65 and you don’t meet the conditions for a Special Enrollment Period, GEP is your next opportunity.
Who Should Use GEP in 2025?
You should consider enrolling during the GEP if:
-
You missed your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period.
-
You didn’t have employer-sponsored coverage that qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
-
You previously opted out of Part B but now need it.
When Does Coverage Begin After GEP Enrollment?
Since 2023, Medicare has updated the coverage start date rules. Now, if you enroll in Part A and/or Part B during GEP in January, February, or March 2025, your coverage begins the first day of the month following your enrollment.
-
Enroll in January → Coverage starts February 1
-
Enroll in February → Coverage starts March 1
-
Enroll in March → Coverage starts April 1
This new policy shortens your wait for coverage compared to the older rule that delayed coverage until July.
What Are the Late Enrollment Penalties?
Even though GEP gives you another chance to enroll, penalties still apply if you waited too long. Medicare charges these penalties to encourage timely enrollment and to prevent people from waiting until they need care.
Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
If you don’t sign up for Part B when first eligible and you go without coverage for 12 months or more, you may owe a permanent penalty.
-
The penalty is 10% for each full 12-month period you delayed enrollment.
-
This penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B.
For example, if you waited three full years (36 months), your penalty would be 30% more than the standard Part B premium.
Part A Late Enrollment Penalty
You typically don’t pay a premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). But if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A and delay enrollment, there is also a penalty:
-
The penalty is 10% of your Part A premium.
-
You pay this penalty for twice the number of years you delayed enrollment.
If you waited two years to sign up, the penalty applies for four years.
How to Avoid These Penalties
GEP may be your only path to Medicare coverage in 2025 if you missed your IEP and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. But once you’re eligible, taking action quickly can prevent additional financial consequences.
Here’s how to avoid penalties going forward:
-
Enroll as soon as you become eligible (during your IEP at age 65).
-
If you delay due to active employer coverage, keep thorough records to prove you had creditable coverage.
-
If you’ve already missed your IEP, don’t wait any longer—enroll during the 2025 GEP to stop further penalties.
What About Special Enrollment Periods?
If you missed your IEP but continued to work or had health coverage through your spouse’s employer, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows you to delay Medicare enrollment without facing penalties.
You qualify for a SEP if:
-
You or your spouse are currently working.
-
You have employer-sponsored health insurance.
-
You enroll in Medicare within 8 months of losing that coverage or ending employment.
If none of the above apply, GEP is your best—and possibly only—option for getting coverage in 2025.
GEP vs. IEP vs. SEP: Know the Differences
It’s important to understand how the General Enrollment Period compares to the Initial and Special Enrollment Periods.
| Feature | Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | General Enrollment Period (GEP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| When It Occurs | 7-month window around age 65 | Triggered by specific life events | January 1 – March 31 annually |
| Who It’s For | New Medicare eligibles | Those with employer coverage | Those who missed IEP and don’t qualify for SEP |
| Penalties? | None if enrolled on time | None if eligible | Yes, if you had no creditable coverage |
| Coverage Start Date | Typically the month you turn 65 | Usually month after SEP triggers | Month after you enroll |
Understanding these differences helps you time your enrollment correctly to avoid delays or penalties.
What Coverage Can You Enroll In During GEP?
During the GEP, you can enroll in:
-
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
-
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
You cannot sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Medicare drug plan (Part D) directly during the GEP. However, once you’re enrolled in both Part A and Part B, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Part D plan during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by your new enrollment.
This special window is available for 2 months after you enroll in Part A and Part B during GEP.
Steps to Enroll During the GEP
If you missed your IEP and are ready to use GEP in 2025, here’s what to do:
-
Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or office.
-
Complete an application for Medicare Part A and/or B.
-
Submit required identification and information.
-
Expect your Medicare card and coverage to begin the next month.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for guidance.
Don’t Let Penalties Linger Longer
The longer you wait to enroll after becoming eligible, the more those penalties can build—and they don’t go away. Even though GEP gives you another chance, the price of waiting is steep.
Part B penalties, for example, are permanent and apply every month for as long as you have Medicare. That’s why enrolling during the 2025 GEP might be your best move if you’ve already missed earlier opportunities.
Use this time wisely, and take action before the March 31 deadline.
Final Thoughts on Getting Back on Track
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period doesn’t mean you’ve run out of options—but it does mean time and costs are now working against you. The 2025 General Enrollment Period gives you a second chance, but the window is narrow and the penalties don’t vanish.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or want to understand the financial impact of delaying further, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website. They can help you explore your Medicare options, review your eligibility, and guide you in making the right enrollment decision—before penalties get worse.
