What Is Open Enrollment 2023

We Cover: Fresno County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Tulare County, Kings County Merced County, Kern County

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is an important time for those who did not enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The GEP runs from January 1 to March 31 each year, and during this time, individuals have the opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare and receive coverage beginning the following July.

It’s important to note that the IEP is a seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. During this time, individuals are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if they are already receiving Social Security benefits. However, if you did not enroll during the IEP, the GEP provides another opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare.

Individuals who enroll in Original Medicare during the GEP will have to pay a late enrollment penalty for Part A and/or Part B, if they are not otherwise eligible for a premium-free Part A. The late enrollment penalty is a permanent increase in the monthly Part A and/or Part B premium unless you have credible coverage under an employer or union group health plan.

It’s also important to note that the GEP only applies to Original Medicare and not Medicare Advantage plans. If you’re interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.

Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B, is the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program that is administered by the federal government. With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, but you’ll pay more out of pocket for your healthcare costs. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage plans generally have more out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare, but also have additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, vision and dental coverage, and more.

In summary, the General Enrollment Period provides an important opportunity for individuals who did not enroll in Original Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period to enroll and receive coverage beginning the following July. However, it’s important to keep in mind that enrolling during the GEP will result in a late enrollment penalty for Part A and/or Part B, unless you have credible coverage under an employer or union group health plan, and that it only applies to Original Medicare and not Medicare Advantage plans. It’s essential to review your options and make an informed decision during the GEP to ensure that you have the best coverage for your needs and budget.