During Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period, how long does it last and when does it begin?

During Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period, how long does it last and when does it begin?

• A. Lasts 7 months and begins 3 months before the month of an individual's 65th birthday and ends 3 months after the month following when the individual turned age 65.
• B. Lasts 3 months before the month of an individual's 65th birthday.
• C. Lasts 6 months starting at 63rd birthday month.
• D. Lasts 12 months starting at the individual's 65th birthday.

Answer: (B)

The period is seven months long. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes that birthday month, and then continues for three more months after. In other words, the window covers three months before, the birthday month, and three months after, totaling seven months. This setup gives you a window to enroll without gaps. The other options either shorten the period or start at an incorrect time relative to the birthday.

The period is seven months long. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes that birthday month, and then continues for three more months after. In other words, the window covers three months before, the birthday month, and three months after, totaling seven months. This setup gives you a window to enroll without gaps. The other options either shorten the period or start at an incorrect time relative to the birthday.