For a beneficiary who missed the Initial Enrollment Period and has no Special Enrollment Period, the Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period runs:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Beneficiaries who miss their Initial Enrollment Period and are not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period may enroll in Part B only during the annual General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31, with coverage beginning July 1 of that year. Enrolling during the GEP generally triggers a late enrollment penalty for every 12-month period of unenrolled coverage, because Part B enrollment is meant to happen at age 65. The three months before the birthday belong to the Initial Enrollment Period, and October 15 to December 7 is the Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) October 15 through December 7 is the Annual Election Period used for Medicare Advantage and Part D plan elections and changes, not the Part B General Enrollment Period.
- C) The three months before the birthday month are part of the Initial Enrollment Period, a different, earlier window that only opens around age 65 and closes at the end of the seventh month.
- D) Part B enrollment is not open-ended. Outside the Initial Enrollment, Special Enrollment, and General Enrollment windows, coverage cannot be obtained until the next GEP.
Memory hook
Missed the boat? GEP = the January-March ferry, sailing once a year with a penalty fare.