During the General Enrollment Period for Medicare, when does coverage begin for those who enroll?

During the General Enrollment Period for Medicare, when does coverage begin for those who enroll?

• A. A make-up period from January 1 to March 31 for those who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when they first became eligible.
• B. A period that runs from April to June and has no effect on coverage.
• C. A period for selecting a network provider.
• D. For those enrolling during the General Enrollment Period, coverage begins on July 1.

Answer: (D)

The General Enrollment Period is the annual window for people who didn’t enroll when they first could. It runs January 1 through March 31, and if you sign up during that window, Medicare coverage starts on July 1 of that year. This timing—coverage beginning July 1 after enrolling during the GEP—is why the described option is correct. The other options don’t fit: the window isn’t in April–June, it isn’t about selecting a network provider, and it isn’t simply a “make-up” period with no impact on when you’re covered.

The General Enrollment Period is the annual window for people who didn’t enroll when they first could. It runs January 1 through March 31, and if you sign up during that window, Medicare coverage starts on July 1 of that year. This timing—coverage beginning July 1 after enrolling during the GEP—is why the described option is correct. The other options don’t fit: the window isn’t in April–June, it isn’t about selecting a network provider, and it isn’t simply a “make-up” period with no impact on when you’re covered.