Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 3/5
An individual who delays Part B enrollment because of active employer group health coverage may enroll during a special enrollment period (SEP) lasting how long after the coverage or employment ends, whichever comes first?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
The Medicare Part B special enrollment period (SEP) allows individuals covered by active employer group health coverage to delay enrollment without penalty. The SEP lasts for eight months after the month the group coverage ends or employment ends, whichever occurs first. Enrolling during the SEP avoids the lifetime Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period of delay. The eight-month window is distinct from the seven-month initial enrollment period around the 65th birthday and from the general enrollment period.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Two months is too short; the SEP provides an eight-month window.
- C) Twelve months is not the SEP duration; the SEP is eight months.
- D) Six months is not the SEP; the correct window is eight months after coverage or employment ends.
Memory hook
After the job plan ends, the SEP gives you an eight-month runway to land on Part B penalty-free.