How long is the Initial Enrollment Period for Part A and Part B?

How long is the Initial Enrollment Period for Part A and Part B?

• A. Seven months around your birthday month.
• B. Six months before your birthday month.
• C. Twelve months starting at age 65.
• D. Seven months—the three months before your birthday month, the birthday month, and the three months after.

Answer: (D)

The Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months around the time you become eligible for Medicare. It includes the three months before your birthday month, the birthday month itself, and the three months after. This window lets you sign up for Part A and Part B with standard start dates and without penalties. For example, if your birthday is in June, the IEP runs from March through September. The other options don’t fit because they either shorten the window or describe a full-year period starting at 65, which isn’t how the IEP is structured.

The Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months around the time you become eligible for Medicare. It includes the three months before your birthday month, the birthday month itself, and the three months after. This window lets you sign up for Part A and Part B with standard start dates and without penalties. For example, if your birthday is in June, the IEP runs from March through September. The other options don’t fit because they either shorten the window or describe a full-year period starting at 65, which isn’t how the IEP is structured.