February 6, 2025 • By Social Security Administration
Reading Time: 3 Minutes Last Updated: February 6, 2025
An older couple reviews Medicare enrollment information on a laptop, highlighting the importance of understanding what sign is march for health coverage decisions
Are you aged 65 or older and haven’t yet enrolled in Medicare Part B? If you missed the initial, automatic, or special enrollment windows, now is the time to act. Consider this your sign – and remember, What Sign Is March giving you is a crucial question for your healthcare coverage!
The annual Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP) is open from January 1st to March 31st, providing you with an opportunity to sign up for Part B (medical insurance). Don’t delay; understanding what sign is march is giving – a limited enrollment window – is key to securing your healthcare benefits.
While Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is typically premium-free for those who have paid Medicare taxes during their working years (or through their spouse), Part B is optional and usually involves a monthly premium and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Important Reminder: Choosing to delay Part B enrollment can lead to financial penalties. The longer you postpone signing up, the greater the penalty could become. Don’t ignore what sign is march is giving you – it’s a sign to enroll!
If you aren’t already receiving Social Security benefits, Medicare enrollment isn’t automatic. It’s essential to select the enrollment period that aligns with your individual circumstances.
Who is Eligible for the General Enrollment Period?
The General Enrollment Period is available under several circumstances:
- You were already receiving benefits at age 65 and were automatically enrolled in Medicare, but you initially declined Part B coverage.
- You did not enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first became eligible.
- You were not eligible for or missed a Special Enrollment Period that could have applied to you.
- Your Part B coverage was terminated due to either non-payment of premiums or voluntary withdrawal from the program.
- You are required to pay a monthly premium for Part A and did not enroll when you were initially eligible. It’s important to note that Part A is not free for everyone; it is only premium-free if you or your spouse has a sufficient work history under Social Security. Important: Even if you aren’t eligible for premium-free Part A, you can still enroll in Part B without needing to purchase Part A.
How to Enroll in Part B During the General Enrollment Period
The Medicare program is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles the processing of applications for both Part A and Part B. To enroll, you can complete form CMS 40B, officially titled the “Application for Enrollment in Medicare-Part B”. You can submit this form via fax, mail, or by dropping it off at your local Social Security office. To find your nearest office, please visit http://www.ssa.gov/locator. Alternatively, you can schedule a video, phone, or in-person appointment by calling the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213. Our phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
After you’ve successfully enrolled in Part B, you will also have the option to choose a Medicare Part D plan, which provides coverage for prescription drugs. Remember, Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies, not through Social Security. You can explore Part D plan options at https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d.
When Does Part B Coverage Begin?
Your Part B coverage will become effective on the first day of the month following your enrollment. For example, if you complete your enrollment at any point during February, your Part B coverage will start on March 1st. You will receive a new Medicare card in the mail confirming your enrollment.
The monthly premium for Part B will be automatically deducted from your Social Security benefits, if you receive them. If you do not receive Social Security benefits, you will receive a premium bill directly from Medicare. In 2025, the standard monthly Part B premium is $185. It’s important to be aware that individuals with higher incomes may be required to pay a higher premium amount. Further details about income-related adjustments can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/medicare-premiums.html. Additionally, keep in mind that you may be subject to a penalty for delayed enrollment in Part B.
Understanding Part B Late Enrollment Penalties
The penalty for late enrollment in Part B is an increase of 10% in your monthly premium for each full 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not enroll. This penalty is not temporary; it will continue for as long as you have Medicare coverage. However, there are two exceptions where you will not be penalized:
- If you have a limited income and qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. More information about these programs can be found at https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs.
- If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits and have reached the age of 65.
It’s also important to note that late enrollment penalties may also apply to Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
For more detailed information on avoiding late enrollment penalties, please visit Medicare.gov’s dedicated page: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties. For general information about Medicare, you can visit the SSA’s Medicare webpage at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare and consult our Medicare publication https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf.
Please share this important information with your family, friends, and anyone who might need to enroll in Medicare Part B. Your sharing could help someone get the healthcare coverage they need!
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