When does coverage typically begin if a person enrolls in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period?

When a person enrolls in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, their coverage typically begins on the first day of the month they turn 65. This is a key component of Medicare's structure, designed to ensure that individuals have access to healthcare coverage as they reach this significant age milestone. The Initial Enrollment Period spans seven months—three months before, the month of, and three months after the person's 65th birthday—allowing ample opportunity for enrollment.

Understanding the timing of coverage is crucial for beneficiaries to plan for their healthcare needs effectively. Enrolling during this designated period guarantees that they will receive coverage promptly without gaps. This enrollment rule helps streamline the transition into Medicare, ensuring that seniors can access necessary medical services without delay.

Other choices reflect options that do not align with Medicare's regulations, such as beginning coverage on the last day of the month, immediate coverage, or a delayed onset of coverage one year after turning 65. These do not accurately depict how Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period functions.