The Medicare Part B open enrollment period is underway.

Jack Myers at Social Security says if you did not apply for Medicare Part B - medical insurance - within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another opportunity each year called the General Enrollment Period. It runs from January to March of each year.  

Enrollment is effective the month after you enroll. According to Myers, if you don’t enroll when first eligible, you may have to pay a higher premium once you do enroll.

Your monthly premium will increase 10% for each 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not sign up.

Certain circumstances will qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period which will offer an opportunity to enroll in Medicare without a penalty. Myers explains the most common Special Enrollment Period is for those who were working or whose spouse was working and had group health coverage based on that active employment when first eligible for Part B.  

Myers reminds you can enroll in Medicare Part B through Social Security and find more information at ssa.gov. There's also more information through the Illinois Department on Aging and the SHIP program. Additionally, many local senior centers will have information on this open enrollment period.