Medicare
Medicare General Enrollment Period
The Medicare General Enrollment Period is a fallback enrollment window for those who missed their IEP, with coverage starting July 1 and late enrollment penalties applying.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
The Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs January 1 through March 31 each year and serves as a catch-up enrollment window for individuals who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage for those who enroll during the GEP begins July 1 of that year, creating a potential gap between the end of their IEP and when new coverage starts. Late enrollment penalties for Part B (10% per year of delay) and Part D (1% per month without creditable coverage) apply to beneficiaries enrolling through the GEP unless they qualify for an exception. Prior to 2023, GEP enrollees often had to wait until July 1 for coverage to begin, but the BENES 2.0 Act changed this: beginning in 2023, coverage now begins the first day of the month after enrollment rather than waiting for a July start date, significantly reducing the coverage gap for GEP enrollees. If you missed both your IEP and the GEP, you must wait for the next GEP window unless a qualifying event creates an SEP.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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