Medicare General Enrollment Period
Medicare General Enrollment Period runs from January 1st– March 31st each year. When you sign up during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
This Enrollment Period applies to you if:
- You didn’t sign up when you were first eligible.
- You aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (Special Circumstances)
When you sign up during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage will start the month after you sign up. Because you missed the correct time period to enroll, you may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment in Part A1 and/or a higher premium for late enrollment in Part B2. If you have any questions, call us at 865-862-4298, and our Senior Benefits Coordinator can help!
1Some people have to buy Part A because they don’t qualify for premium-free Part A. If you have to buy Part A, and you don’t buy it when you’re first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you could’ve had Part A, but didn’t sign up. You’ll have to pay the higher premium for twice the number of years you didn’t sign up.
2If you didn’t get Part B when you’re first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you could’ve had Part B, but didn’t sign up. In most cases, you’ll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B. And the penalty increases the longer you go without Part B coverage. Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period. If you have limited income and resources, your state may help pay for Part A, and/or Part B. You may also qualify for Extra Help to pay for your Medicare prescription drug coverage.
