Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
An individual missed the Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part B. During the annual General Enrollment Period (GEP), when can they sign up?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
The Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year, and coverage becomes effective July 1 of that same year. It is the catch-up window for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period (the seven-month window around the 65th birthday) and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Enrolling during the GEP typically triggers the Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period of delay. The October 15 to December 7 window is the fall Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) October 15 through December 7 is the fall Annual Election Period for MA and Part D changes, not the Part B General Enrollment Period.
- C) Enrollment is limited to defined windows, and missing the IEP without a SEP brings a late enrollment penalty.
- D) The SEP is a separate right for people with employer coverage; the GEP is the annual window for everyone else.
Memory hook
Missed your 7-month window? GEP is Jan 1 - Mar 31, coverage July 1, plus a penalty.