Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
For an individual who missed the Initial Enrollment Period and does not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period (GEP) for Medicare Part B runs:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why D is correct
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1 through March 31 each year for individuals who failed to enroll in Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage becomes effective on July 1 of that year, and a late enrollment penalty typically applies because the individual delayed enrollment without creditable coverage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) October 15 through December 7 is the Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, not the Part B GEP.
- B) The three months before the 65th birthday are part of the Initial Enrollment Period, not the GEP.
- C) The GEP ends March 31; April through June is not the enrollment window and the coverage effective date is July 1.
Memory hook
Missed your window? GEP is Jan 1 - Mar 31 every year, with coverage starting July 1.