AHIP Medicare Basics and Eligibility 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Medicare Part A hospital deductible applied to?
- Each calendar year
- Each benefit period (Correct answer)
- Each hospital visit regardless of length
- Once per lifetime
Correct answer: Each benefit period
The Medicare Part A deductible applies per benefit period, not per year.
Question 2: Which group is eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A?
- All US citizens over 65
- Those who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (Correct answer)
- Those with incomes below the poverty line
- Veterans only
Correct answer: Those who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters
Beneficiaries who have worked and paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years) receive premium-free Part A.
Question 3: The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare runs from:
- January 1 – March 31
- July 1 – September 30
- October 15 – December 7 (Correct answer)
- November 1 – January 31
Correct answer: October 15 – December 7
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, with coverage changes effective January 1.
Question 4: Which Medicare enrollment period allows people who missed their IEP to sign up for Part B?
- Special Enrollment Period
- Annual Enrollment Period
- General Enrollment Period (Correct answer)
- Open Enrollment Period
Correct answer: General Enrollment Period
The General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year) allows individuals who missed their IEP to enroll in Part B, with a potential late-enrollment penalty.
Question 5: ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) qualifies a person for Medicare:
- After 24 months of SSDI
- After 12 months of SSDI
- Immediately upon receiving SSDI (Correct answer)
- Only after age 65
Correct answer: Immediately upon receiving SSDI
Individuals diagnosed with ALS qualify for Medicare immediately upon receipt of SSDI benefits, with no waiting period.
Question 6: What penalty may apply if a Medicare-eligible person delays enrolling in Part B without qualifying coverage?
- 10% premium increase per year of delay (Correct answer)
- 5% premium increase per year of delay
- A flat $50 per month surcharge
- Loss of Part A benefits
Correct answer: 10% premium increase per year of delay
The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% added to the premium for each full 12-month period the person was eligible but not enrolled.
AHIP Medicare Basics and Eligibility 2
What is the Medicare Part A hospital deductible applied to?