Cynthia is turning 65 on July 5. Her Medicare Part A and Part B will be effective on July 1. Using her Initial Election Period (IEP), when can she submit an application for a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan?

Cynthia is turning 65 on July 5. Her Medicare Part A and Part B will be effective on July 1. Using her Initial Election Period (IEP), when can she submit an application for a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan?

• A. April 1 through October 31
• B. May 1 through June 30
• C. January 1 through December 31
• D. July 1 through July 31

Answer: (A)

The Initial Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D lasts seven months surrounding the 65th birthday: three months before, the birthday month, and three months after. For someone turning 65 in July, that window is April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Since Cynthia’s Part A and Part B become effective on July 1, she can submit an application any time from April 1 through October 31. The other options fall outside this seven-month period. This timing ensures she enrolls during the IEP so her new plan starts in alignment with her Medicare coverage.

The Initial Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D lasts seven months surrounding the 65th birthday: three months before, the birthday month, and three months after. For someone turning 65 in July, that window is April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Since Cynthia’s Part A and Part B become effective on July 1, she can submit an application any time from April 1 through October 31. The other options fall outside this seven-month period. This timing ensures she enrolls during the IEP so her new plan starts in alignment with her Medicare coverage.