What period does the initial enrollment for Medicare Part A include?

The correct choice is based on the structure of Medicare's initial enrollment period, which is designed to give individuals flexibility in enrolling in Medicare Part A as they approach the age of 65. This initial enrollment period encompasses a total of seven months: the three months before the individual turns 65, the month they turn 65 itself, and the three months following their 65th birthday. This approach allows for coverage to begin as early as the month before they reach this milestone, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to ensure they have health coverage when they become eligible.

This comprehensive enrollment period ensures that beneficiaries have ample opportunity to enroll without facing delays or penalties that might arise from missing the enrollment window. As a result, the correct answer reflects not just the month of turning 65, but also the additional months before and after, making it an inclusive timeframe for enrollment into Medicare Part A.