Question

Shirly Thomas was enrolled in Medicaid during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). This coverage has recently been terminated due to the end of the PHE. While Shirley was enrolled in Medicaid, she missed an opportunity to enroll in Medicare and now wants Part B. Which of the following statements best describes Shirleys ability to now enroll in Medicare Part B?

A. She can enroll in Medicare Part B anytime since her Medicaid coverage has ended.
B. She must wait for the next Medicare enrollment period to sign up for Part B.
C. She is not eligible for Medicare Part B.
D. She can enroll in Medicare Part B only during the annual Open Enrollment Period.

Answer 1

Shirley Thomas can enroll in Medicare Part B during the next Medicare enrollment period or possibly during a Special Enrollment Period, depending on her circumstances following the end of her Medicaid coverage with the PHE. So the correct answer is Option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Shirley Thomas missed her opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B while she was enrolled in Medicaid during the Public Health Emergency (PHE), her ability to enroll in Medicare Part B now that her Medicaid has ended depends on specific enrollment periods. Normally, individuals must wait for the next Medicare enrollment period to sign up for Part B. However, if Shirley's Medicaid coverage ended with the close of the PHE, she could be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if she meets certain conditions, such as losing coverage through no fault of her own.

In general, there are set enrollment periods for Medicare Part B, including the Initial Enrollment Period when someone first becomes eligible, the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year, and Special Enrollment Periods that are triggered by specific life events.