General enrollment period for Medicare Part B

Submitted by Hillary Hatch

If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 every year.

If you don't enroll in Part B when you're first eligible for it, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your monthly premium will increase 10% for each 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not sign up for it. Your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

To learn more about Medicare, visit our Medicare Benefits page at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. You may also read our publication at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf.

Share this information with your friends and loved ones who may need it.

Hillary Hatch is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary.hatch@ssa.gov