Quick Answer
The GEP runs January 1 – March 31 each year. Coverage starts July 1 (previously April 1 before 2023 rule change). A late enrollment penalty applies permanently if you missed your IEP without qualifying employer coverage.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | Best Option | 7-month window around your 65th birthday - no penalty if you enroll on time |
| General Enrollment Period (GEP) | Backup Option | Jan 1 – Mar 31; coverage starts July 1; late penalty may apply |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | No Penalty | Available if you had qualifying employer coverage - no late penalty |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | MA/Part D Only | Oct 15 – Dec 7; for changing MA or Part D plans only, not Part A/B |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
What is the General Enrollment Period?
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs every year from January 1 through March 31. It is the safety net for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Starting in 2023, coverage under the GEP begins on the first day of the month after you enroll (not July 1 as it was previously). This was a significant improvement - previously you could wait up to 6 months for coverage to start.
What It Covers
- Medicare Part A enrollment (if not automatically enrolled)
- Medicare Part B enrollment
- Coverage starts the month after enrollment (2023 rule change)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Medicare Advantage or Part D plans (use AEP or ICEP for those)
- Does not eliminate late enrollment penalties already accrued
Who Needs the GEP?
You need the GEP if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) and do not have a qualifying reason for a Special Enrollment Period.
Common reasons people end up needing the GEP: they delayed Medicare thinking COBRA or marketplace coverage qualified (it doesn't), they were unaware of the enrollment deadline, or they had a gap in employer coverage.
What It Covers
- Enrollment for people who missed their IEP
- Enrollment for people who lost SEP eligibility
- Re-enrollment after voluntary termination of Part B
What It Doesn't Cover
- COBRA coverage does NOT qualify for an SEP - you must use the GEP
- Marketplace/ACA coverage does NOT qualify for an SEP - you must use the GEP
Late Enrollment Penalties
If you enroll during the GEP without having had qualifying coverage (like active employer coverage from an employer with 20+ employees), you will face a late enrollment penalty that is added to your premium permanently.
Part B penalty: 10% added to the standard premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. Part A penalty (if applicable): 10% added for twice the number of years you delayed.
What It Covers
- Enrollment is still possible despite the penalty
- Penalty can be appealed if you had qualifying coverage
What It Doesn't Cover
- Part B penalty: permanent +10% per year of delay
- Part A penalty: +10% for twice the number of years delayed
- Part D penalty also applies separately if you delayed drug coverage
After GEP: Enrolling in MA and Part D
Once you enroll in Part A and B during the GEP, you have a special window called the Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. The ICEP runs from when you first become eligible for MA through the end of the month you enroll in Part B.
If you miss the ICEP, you will need to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to add Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage.
What It Covers
- ICEP allows MA and Part D enrollment after GEP
- AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) as a fallback for MA/Part D
What It Doesn't Cover
- Medigap guaranteed issue rights may be limited after GEP enrollment
- Some states have Medigap birthday rules that may help
Medicare Enrollment Periods at a Glance
| Period | Dates | Who Uses It | Coverage Starts | Late Penalty? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | 7 months around 65th birthday | Everyone turning 65 | Varies (1–3 months after) | No |
| General Enrollment Period (GEP) | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Missed IEP, no SEP | Month after enrollment | Yes - permanent |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | 8 months after employer coverage ends | Had qualifying employer coverage | Month after enrollment | No |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Changing MA or Part D plans | January 1 | Part D penalty if applicable |
| MA Open Enrollment Period | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Switching MA plans or dropping MA | Month after enrollment | No |
✦ Important Exceptions and Recent Changes
2023 Coverage Start Date Change
Before 2023, GEP enrollees had to wait until July 1 for coverage to start, regardless of when they enrolled in January–March. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 changed this - starting in 2023, coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll.
If you enroll in February, your coverage now starts March 1 - not July 1 as it was before 2023.
COBRA and Marketplace Coverage do not Qualify for SEP
A common and costly mistake: people on COBRA or marketplace (ACA) coverage think they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when they lose that coverage. They do not. COBRA and marketplace coverage are not considered qualifying employer coverage for Medicare SEP purposes.
If you have COBRA or marketplace coverage and miss your IEP, you must use the GEP and will face late enrollment penalties.
Equitable Relief for Certain Situations
If you missed your IEP due to misinformation from a government agency (like SSA or CMS), you may be able to request equitable relief to enroll without penalty. This is rare but worth pursuing if applicable.
Contact your SHIP counselor if you believe you received incorrect information that caused you to miss your enrollment window.
✦ Legislative Update
GEP Coverage Start Date Improved
PassedThe Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 changed the GEP coverage start date from July 1 to the first day of the month after enrollment, effective January 2023. This significantly reduced the gap in coverage for late enrollees.
Part B Premium Increased to $185
PassedThe standard Part B premium is $185/month in 2026. Late enrollees pay a permanent surcharge of 10% per year of delay on top of this amount.
Medicare Enrollment Simplification Act
ProposedProposed legislation would simplify Medicare enrollment rules and reduce penalties for certain late enrollees. Has not yet passed Congress.
Avoid the GEP: Enroll on Time
The best way to avoid the GEP and its penalties is to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you have employer coverage, work with your HR department to understand when you need to enroll in Medicare.
Contact Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) or visit SSA.gov to enroll. You can also enroll online at Medicare.gov.
GEP Enrollment Checklist
- Confirm you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period first
- Enroll January 1 – March 31 at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213
- Understand your late enrollment penalty amount before enrolling
- After enrolling in Part A/B, use ICEP to add MA or Part D
- Contact your SHIP counselor for free enrollment help
- Check if your state has any Medigap open enrollment protections
- Set a reminder for next AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) to add MA or Part D
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a licensed Medicare expert who has been helping beneficiaries navigate their Medicare options for over a decade.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare find the best coverage options.