What is the duration of the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The General Enrollment Period for Medicare is indeed from January 1 to March 31 each year. This period is specifically designated for individuals who did not enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, which generally occurs when individuals first become eligible for Medicare, typically around their 65th birthday. During the General Enrollment Period, eligible individuals can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B, with coverage starting on July 1 of the same year.

The other timeframes mentioned are for different enrollment periods. For instance, the period from October 15 to December 7 is known as the Annual Enrollment Period, during which current beneficiaries can make changes to their existing Medicare plans. Additionally, the other periods mentioned do not align with Medicare enrollment regulations and are not recognized as enrollment times for Medicare programs. Understanding these specific periods is essential for beneficiaries to ensure they enroll in the correct Medicare plans at the appropriate times.