When does the entitlement date for someone on kidney dialysis get adjusted?

The entitlement date for someone on kidney dialysis is adjusted to the date dialysis treatment began. This adjustment is important because Medicare provides coverage based on the need for the treatment rather than the application or diagnosis dates. When someone begins dialysis, it signifies their eligibility for Medicare benefits, and thus the entitlement date reflects the onset of this critical medical treatment. This approach ensures that beneficiaries receive timely access to the necessary healthcare services associated with dialysis care.

The other options represent points of reference that do not trigger the adjustment of the entitlement date. Simply submitting an application or being diagnosed does not determine eligibility for those benefits; instead, it is the initiation of treatment that is pivotal. Being enrolled in Medicare does not affect the date adjustment either, as the entitlement date specifically correlates with the start of medical necessity for treatment. This ensures that Medicare coverage begins as soon as it is truly needed by the patient.