What should an individual do if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period?

The correct answer is that an individual will need to wait for the next General Enrollment Period if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period. The Initial Enrollment Period is a critical time frame during which individuals who are eligible for Medicare can first enroll in parts A and B. If someone doesn’t sign up during this window, they cannot enroll again until the next General Enrollment Period, which occurs annually from January 1 to March 31. During this period, coverage begins on July 1 of that year.

While there are certain conditions under which a person might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (such as moving or losing other health coverage), missing the Initial Enrollment Period without qualifying for a specific condition leads to having to wait for the General Enrollment Period. This demonstrates the structured nature of Medicare enrollment and emphasizes the importance of being aware of these time-sensitive windows. The other options do not accurately reflect the rules governing Medicare enrollment and the penalties and requirements that accompany missing the initial opportunity to sign up.