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Medicare Glossary

General Enrollment Period

January 1 – March 31 each year. For people who didn't enroll in Medicare when first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage. Coverage starts the first of the month after enrollment. Late enrollment penalties typically apply.

What it means

January 1 – March 31 each year. For people who didn't enroll in Medicare when first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage. Coverage starts the first of the month after enrollment. Late enrollment penalties typically apply.

Why it matters for Ohio beneficiaries

Whether you're new to Medicare in Ohio or comparing plans during AEP, terminology like "General Enrollment Period" comes up repeatedly in Medicare paperwork, agent conversations, and the Medicare.gov Plan Finder. Knowing what it means helps you make decisions without getting lost in jargon.

Where to learn more

Looking for personalized help understanding how this applies to your specific situation? A licensed Ohio Medicare agent can walk through it with you — free of charge. You can also call OSHIIP (Ohio's free Medicare counseling program) at 1-800-686-1578, or browse our decision guides.

Related terms

Initial Enrollment PeriodLate Enrollment PenaltySpecial Enrollment Period

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