What period allows a new Medicare beneficiary who just got Medicare Part A and B to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D)?

The period that allows a new Medicare beneficiary who has just received Medicare Part A and B to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D) is the Initial Enrollment Period. This period is specifically designed for people who are newly eligible for Medicare, allowing them to enroll in various Medicare plans, including Part D, as they first sign up for Parts A and B.

The Initial Enrollment Period typically spans seven months: three months before the beneficiary’s 65th birthday month, the month of their birthday, and three months after. This ensures that beneficiaries have the opportunity to choose their prescription drug coverage at the same time they enroll in the original Medicare program. Enrolling during this time is crucial because it allows beneficiaries to avoid potential penalties and ensure they have coverage in place when they need it.

The other terms mentioned, such as Annual Enrollment Period and Open Enrollment Period, refer to times when existing beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage, but they do not apply to new beneficiaries who just gained Medicare eligibility. The term "Initial Election Period" can be confusing because it is sometimes used interchangeably with the Initial Enrollment Period, but it is not the standard terminology used in Medicare documentation, which typically refers to the Initial Enrollment Period.