Training, Plans, Compliance,
and Enrollment Strategies
Module 1: Medicare Basics & Eligibility
Q1: Mrs. Higgins turned 65 on October 15, 2026. She has not yet enrolled in Medicare
Part A or Part B. What is her Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
A. September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027
B. July 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027
C. October 15, 2026, to April 15, 2027
D. November 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best answer is July 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, because the IEP is a
7-month window that includes the 3 months before the month of entitlement, the month
of entitlement, and the 3 months after. Since her birthday is in October, the window
starts in July and ends in January.
Q2: Which of the following statements regarding the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier
(MBI) is correct?
A. The MBI contains the beneficiary's Social Security Number.
B. The MBI is made up of 11 characters, a mix of numbers and uppercase letters.
C. The MBI is permanent and never changes for the beneficiary.
D. The MBI uses special characters like dashes to separate distinct sections.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This choice is correct because CMS transitioned to the MBI to protect
personal information; it is an 11-character identifier that is randomly generated and does
not contain the SSN. It can change in certain situations, such as identity theft, and does
not use dashes or special characters.
Q3: Scenario: Mr. Davis is 67 years old and delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B
because he had creditable coverage through his employer. He retired on March 31,
2026, and his employer coverage ended on that date. He contacted you on April 15,
2026, to enroll. What is the status of his Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
A. He has missed his SEP because he waited more than 30 days after retirement.
B. He has until September 30, 2026, to enroll without a late penalty.
C. He has a guaranteed issue right but must wait until the Annual Enrollment Period.
,D. He is subject to the General Enrollment Period because he missed the IEP.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best answer is that he has until September 30, 2026, because when
employment ends, the SEP lasts for 8 months (the month employment ends plus the
following 7 months). Since he retired March 31, he has plenty of time to enroll without
penalty.
Q4: Which of the following services is typically covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital
Insurance)?
A. Outpatient physician services
B. Prescription drugs (retail)
C. Skilled nursing facility care (qualifying conditions met)
D. Routine dental care
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This aligns with Medicare Part A benefits which cover inpatient hospital
stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Options A,
B, and D are typically covered under Part B, Part D, or not covered at all.
Q5: Mr. Thompson never enrolled in Medicare Part B when he first turned 65 because
he felt healthy. He is now 68 and decides he wants coverage. He has never had
creditable coverage. Which of the following applies to his situation?
A. He may enroll immediately with no penalty.
B. He must wait for the General Enrollment Period and may pay a late enrollment
penalty.
C. He can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to get Part B coverage.
D. He is exempt from penalties because he is over 65.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This choice is correct because the General Enrollment Period runs from
January 1 to March 31 each year for those who missed their IEP. Additionally, because
he had no creditable coverage, he is subject to a late enrollment penalty of 10% for
every 12-month period he could have had Part B but didn't.
Q6: How is the premium for Medicare Part A determined for most beneficiaries?
A. It is based on the beneficiary's annual income.
B. It is free for most people because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while
working.
C. It is a standard flat rate for everyone, regardless of work history.
D. It is determined by the state of residence.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The best answer is that it is free for most people because "premium-free Part
A" is available to individuals who have worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid
FICA taxes. Those with fewer work history quarters may pay a premium.
Q7: Which of the following individuals is automatically eligible for Medicare Part A and
Part B due to age?
A. A 62-year-old collecting Social Security retirement benefits.
B. A 65-year-old who has not yet filed for Social Security benefits.
C. A 66-year-old who is still working and has employer group coverage.
D. A 68-year-old who is a legal permanent resident but never worked in the US.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches eligibility rules: eligibility for Medicare begins at age 65,
regardless of employment status or whether they have claimed Social Security. Being
66 makes them eligible. The 62-year-old is too young, and the 68-year-old legal resident
generally must pay a premium for Part A if they haven't worked 40 quarters, but they are
eligible.
Q8: Which condition qualifies an individual for Medicare before age 65?
A. Diagnosis of diabetes
B. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant
C. Mild hypertension
D. General disability lasting 6 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best answer is End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) because Medicare
eligibility is extended to individuals of any age with ESRD, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease),
or those who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at
least 24 months.
Q9: Calculation Question: Mrs. Lee delayed her Part B enrollment for 36 months after
she was first eligible and did not have creditable coverage. If the standard Part B
premium is $200 (hypothetical), approximately how much will her late enrollment
penalty increase her monthly premium?
A. $20
B. $40
C. $60
D. $200
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best answer is $60 because the Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of
the standard premium for each full 12-month period without coverage. 36 months
equals three 12-month periods. 3 x 10% = 30%. 30% of $200 is $60 added to the
premium.