Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Missed Medicare Part B? This is the enrollment period many people must use to get Part B started or restored.

Do You Need the GEP — or Do You Qualify for a SEP?

Common Situations That Lead to a GEP

• You retired and kept retiree coverage instead of enrolling in Part B.
• You had COBRA and thought it worked like active employer coverage.
• You relied only on VA coverage.
• You lived outside the United States and later came back. See Medicare out of area and country coverage.
• You did not realize Part B was not automatic in your situation.
• You stopped paying your Part B premium.
• You thought Medicare was included automatically with Social Security.

What Happens If You Miss Medicare Part B?

Missing Part B can create several problems. You may have a gap in doctor and outpatient coverage, you may owe a Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty, and you may be unable to enroll in certain Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D prescription drug options until your Part B is active. Medicare says the Part B late enrollment penalty is generally 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not sign up, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare.gov

How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B During the General Enrollment Period

1. Confirm whether you really need the GEP. If you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, check that first.
2. Apply through Social Security. Social Security handles Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. SSA.gov
3. If you already have Part A and need Part B only, use the Social Security Medicare sign-up page or the Part B enrollment form.
4. Use CMS Form 40B if needed. CMS Form 40B is used to request enrollment in Medicare Part B. CMS Form 40B
5. Keep proof. If you mail, fax, or upload forms, keep copies and proof of submission. If you go to Social Security in person, ask for a receipt.

My Medicare Part B Was Cancelled. How Do I Get It Back?

If your Part B was cancelled because premiums were not paid, you may need to re-enroll during the General Enrollment Period unless Social Security or Medicare gives you another remedy. This can affect more than doctor coverage. Without active Part B, you may also have problems keeping or enrolling in a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Part D prescription drug plan.

Important: Do not wait until the end of March. If your Part B is missing or cancelled, start the process as soon as possible so you have time to correct errors and confirm Social Security received everything.

Can You Get Medigap After Enrolling Through the GEP?

Once your Part B is active, you can look at Medigap / Medicare Supplement options. The tricky part is whether you have a guaranteed acceptance right or whether the insurance company can ask health questions.

If you are outside your Medigap open enrollment period, the rules may be different. California has some special Medigap rules, but they do not solve every late Part B situation.

Can You Join Medicare Advantage After Getting Part B?

Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans have their own enrollment periods. See our page on Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment dates. Medicare also explains that you can only join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans during certain enrollment periods. Medicare.gov

If your Part B is becoming active after a General Enrollment Period, do not assume you can automatically enroll in every Medicare Advantage or Part D option immediately. The correct answer depends on your dates, whether this is your first time getting Part B, whether you also have Part A, and whether another Special Enrollment Period applies.

California Residents: Medi-Cal, QMB, and Help Paying for Part B

If you have limited income, you may qualify for help paying Medicare costs through a Medicare Savings Program. Medicare says the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program may help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services. Medicare.gov

California’s Department of Health Care Services publishes California Medicare Savings Program information, including QMB, SLMB, and QI. DHCS.ca.gov

If you have Medicare and Medi-Cal issues together, also see our information on Dual SNP Medi-Cal and Medicare and Medi-Cal Share of Cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming VA coverage gives you a Part B Special Enrollment Period. VA coverage is valuable, but it is not the same as active employer group coverage for Part B enrollment timing.
• Waiting until March 31. Forms can get lost, delayed, or rejected.
• Forgetting the late enrollment penalty. The Part B penalty may last as long as you have Part B.
• Buying other coverage before Part B is active. Many Medicare options require both Part A and Part B.
• Not checking Medi-Cal or QMB eligibility. Some people may qualify for help paying Medicare costs through a Medicare Savings Program.

What Should You Do Next?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period?
The General Enrollment Period is the January 1 through March 31 enrollment window for people who missed earlier Medicare Part A or Part B enrollment opportunities and do not qualify for another enrollment period. Coverage starts the month after signing up. Medicare.gov

Does Medicare Part B start July 1 after the General Enrollment Period?
Under older rules, many people had to wait until July 1. Current Medicare rules say coverage starts the month after you sign up during the General Enrollment Period. Medicare.gov

Will I owe a Part B late enrollment penalty?
Possibly. Medicare says the Part B late enrollment penalty is generally 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not sign up, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare.gov

Can I enroll in Medicare Part B online?
Yes, many people can start Medicare enrollment through Social Security. SSA.gov

What if I had VA benefits and skipped Part B?
VA benefits do not usually create the same Part B Special Enrollment Period as active employer group coverage. Read our page on VA coverage compared to Medicare A, B, C, D, and Medigap.

What if I have Medi-Cal?
If you have Medicare and limited income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as QMB, SLMB, or QI.

Related Medicare Pages

• Medicare Part A Hospital & B Doctor Visits Enroll Online
• Enrollment Tools and Decisions for Medicare
• Medicare Part B Hub
• Medicare Enrollment if Covered by Employer Plan
• Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period
• MSP Medicare Savings Program
• VA Compared to Medicare A, B, C, D & Medigap
• Medicare Advantage Plans
• Medicare Advantage & Part D Enrollment Dates
• Medigap / Medicare Supplement Plans
• Guaranteed Acceptance for Medigap
• Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
• Part D Low Income Subsidy / Extra Help
• Medicare Out of Area and Country Coverage