For an individual who missed the Initial Enrollment Period and has no special enrollment period, the Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs:
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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 (GEP) runs annually from January 1 through March 31. It is the window for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage under the GEP generally becomes effective in the month after enrollment, and late enrollment penalties apply because the person missed the original window. The January-March window is a specific Part B enrollment date tested on the A&H exam. Because enrollment in the GEP occurs after the correct initial window has passed, the beneficiary's Part B premium is increased by the late enrollment penalty, and coverage is delayed until the following month.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) October 1 through December 31 is not the Part B GEP; that autumn window belongs to Medicare Annual Enrollment for Part D and Medicare Advantage.
- C) The GEP is not tied to the birthday anniversary; it is a fixed annual calendar window.
- D) April 15 through June 15 matches no Medicare enrollment period.
Memory hook
Missed the IEP? The GEP is the annual January-March second chance, with a late penalty in tow.