If you’re 65 or older and didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during the automatic, initial or special enrollment periods, now’s your chance.
You can sign up for Part B (medical insurance) during the annual Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP), which is January 1 through March 31.
Your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is likely free for you because you (or your spouse) paid Medicare taxes while working. Part B is voluntary, and most people pay a monthly premium as well as other costs.
If you declined Part B, you may pay a penalty for delayed enrollment. The penalty may increase the longer you wait to sign up.
Enrollment in Medicare is not automatic if you’re not getting Social Security benefits. You should choose an enrollment period that’s right for you.
Who can use the General Enrollment Period?
You can sign up for Medicare during the GEP if:
- You were receiving benefits at 65 and were automatically enrolled in Medicare but declined Part B.
- You did not sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.
- You missed (or didn’t have) a Special Enrollment Period.
- Your Part B ended because of non-payment of premiums or voluntary withdrawal.
- You have to pay a monthly premium for Part A, and you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible. Part A is not free if you did not work long enough under Social Security, and you aren’t eligible on the record of a spouse. Note: If you’re not eligible for Part A at no cost, you can have Part B without buying Part A.
How do I sign up for Part B during the GEP?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is in charge of the Medicare program. However, we process applications for Parts A and B. You can complete the CMS 40B – Application for Enrollment in Medicare-Part B and fax, mail, or drop off the completed form at your local Social Security office. Or you can make a video, phone, or in-person appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
After you sign up for Part B, you can also pick a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). You sign up with a private insurance company, not Social Security.
When will my Part B start?
Your Part B coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll. For example, if you sign up anytime in February, your Part B coverage begins March 1. You’ll get a new Medicare card in the mail.
The Part B premium will be deducted from your Social Security benefits. If you don’t receive Social Security, you’ll get a bill from Medicare. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185 a month, and some people with higher incomes pay more. You may also have to pay a penalty for delayed enrollment.
How much is the penalty?
Your Part B premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn’t sign up for it. The penalty continues for as long as you have Medicare with 2 exceptions. You won’t pay a penalty if:
- You have limited income and you’re eligible for a Medicare Savings Program.
- You receive Social Security disability benefits, and you’ve reached age 65.
You may also have a late enrollment penalty for Part D.
To learn more, visit Avoid late enrollment penalties at Medicare.gov. For other information, visit our Medicare webpage and read our Medicare publication.
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Tags: Medicare
