What To Do If You Miss The Medicare Enrollment Deadline

We get it. Life gets busy. You meant to enroll in Medicare, but somehow the deadline came and went. Maybe the paperwork was confusing. Maybe you were helping a loved one or simply didn’t realize how soon your Initial Enrollment Period ends. You’re not alone — and here at Bourgeois Insurance Agency, LLC, we’re here to help you make it right.

Whether you live right here in Thibodaux, Louisiana or just outside our parish lines, we’re your neighbor in all things Medicare. We know the system’s confusing, especially when it comes to late enrollment and penalties. Let’s break it all down together — in plain English — so you can move forward with peace of mind.

What Happens If You Miss the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

The Initial Enrollment Period is the first time you're eligible to sign up for Medicare. It’s a seven-month window. That’s three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after.

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, don’t panic. You still have options. But you may face late enrollment penalties, so acting quickly can save you money long-term.

Here's what may happen:

• You could pay a Part B late enrollment penalty. This is 10% of the standard premium (which is $185 in 2025) for every 12-month period you waited to enroll.

• For Part D prescription drug coverage, the penalty is 1% of the national base premium ($36.78 in 2025) for each month you didn’t have creditable drug coverage.

And yes — these penalties stick around for as long as you have Medicare.

Can You Use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare?

Good news? There may be a way to avoid these penalties if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is a special window that allows you to enroll in Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage Plan outside of regular deadlines.

You may qualify for a Part B SEP if:

• You had group health plan coverage through your job or a spouse’s job.

• You left that coverage within the last 8 months.

• You lost other creditable health coverage.

This Special Enrollment Period for Medicare is your second chance. It helps you avoid permanent penalties and still get quality Medicare coverage.

What Is the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

If you missed the Medicare enrollment deadline and don’t qualify for a SEP, the next chance to sign up is during the General Enrollment Period. This runs from January 1 to March 31 every year.

You can use this time to sign up for Part B, Part A if you have to buy it, or even a Medicare Advantage Plan after enrolling in Original Medicare.

But here’s the catch — coverage begins July 1. And yes, you may have to pay penalties for late enrollment, depending on your situation.

Still not sure what to do? Don’t try to figure it out alone. Bourgeois Insurance has helped plenty of Medicare beneficiaries get back on track. We’d love to help you too.

What About Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Coverage?

Once you’ve enrolled in Original Medicare, you have another window to get extra coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D prescription drug plan.

This happens during:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 through March 31 — This is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. It allows you to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

• Medicare Open Enrollment Period (also called Annual Election Period): October 15 to December 7 — This is when everyone can make changes to your Medicare coverage. You can switch plans, add Part D drug coverage, or switch back to Original Medicare.

Don’t wait for the next open enrollment period to sneak up on you. Let’s go over your options now so you're ready to go when the window opens.

What Should You Do Right Now If You Missed Medicare Enrollment?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I missed the Medicare deadline and I have no clue what to do,” we hear you. Take a deep breath.

Here’s a practical step-by-step plan:

1. Call Bourgeois Insurance Agency, LLC at (985) 803-8999
   We’ll walk through your situation one-on-one. No pressure. Just answers.

2. Find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
   If you had employer coverage or Medicaid, you might still be able to enroll without a penalty.

3. Enroll in Medicare Part B during the next available period
   If you don’t qualify for an SEP, use the General Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31.

4. Get help choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D drug plan
   Our team can explain your options clearly and help you enroll with confidence.

5. Consider appealing any penalties
   If there’s a good reason you missed your initial enrollment period, you might be able to appeal the late enrollment penalties through Social Security Administration.

Real Talk: Why Acting Fast Can Save You Thousands

Think you can just wait and sign up for Part B later when you need it? Sadly, that delay could cost you. The Part B late enrollment penalty is for life — not just a one-time fee.

Let’s say you delay for two years. That’s a 20% penalty on top of your premium. Every. Single. Month.

And Part D penalties? Those add up too. That’s why enrolling on time or knowing your SEP rights is so important.

We’re proud to be the Medicare helpers for Thibodaux, Louisiana, and beyond. At Bourgeois Insurance Agency, we believe no one should be punished just because the Medicare system is confusing.

Need Help Navigating Medicare Enrollment?

We’ve met with hundreds of folks across Louisiana — people just like you who had questions, made mistakes, or just needed help finding the right path forward.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to know everything. You just need someone who does.

And that’s us.

 You're Not Alone in This

Whether you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, are unsure about a Special Enrollment Period, or want to switch during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, we’re here for you.

Medicare shouldn’t be scary. It should be simple, helpful, and give you peace of mind as you enjoy your golden years. You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned this.

So let’s make sure your Medicare coverage works hard for you.

Call Bourgeois Insurance today at (985) 803-8999— or stop by if you're near Thibodaux. Let’s make Medicare a little less confusing and a whole lot more human.