The Medicare General Enrollment Period will open from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2022, according to a release from the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

You can sign up for the program if you didn’t sign up for Part A Hospital Insurance (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B Medical Insurance (for which you must pay premiums) during your Initial Enrollment Period, and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Coverage starts on July 1, 2022.

Medicare is a medical insurance program for individuals who are 65 years or older, and for individuals who are on SSA's disability program or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) at any age. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $170.10 for 2022. The Part B premium can be higher if one does not enroll during their initial enrollment period or when they first became eligible; or if they have a higher income. If enrolled during the GEP, the effective date of coverage will begin on July 1.

If you are eligible and want to be covered by Medicare Part B medical insurance, now is the time to sign up with the Social Security Administration by enrolling online through SSA's website at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. The SSA public telephone line is 1-855-616-6393 or the National 800 Number, 1-800-772-1213.