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United States Code
Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFAREChapter 7 - SOCIAL SECURITYSubchapter XVIII - HEALTH INSURANCE FOR AGED AND DISABLED
Part B - SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR AGED AND DISABLED
Section 1395p - Enrollment periods

42 U.S.C. § 1395p

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Current through P.L. 118-107 (published on www.congress.gov on 11/21/2024)
Section 1395p - Enrollment periods
(a) Generally; regulations

An individual may enroll in the insurance program established by this part only in such manner and form as may be prescribed by regulations, and only during an enrollment period prescribed in or under this section.

(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 96-499, title IX, §945(a), Dec. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 2642
(c) Initial general enrollment period; eligible individuals before March 1, 1966

In the case of individuals who first satisfy paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1395o(a) of this title before March 1, 1966, the initial general enrollment period shall begin on the first day of the second month which begins after July 30, 1965, and shall end on May 31, 1966. For purposes of this subsection and subsection (d), an individual who has attained age 65 and who satisfies paragraph (1) of section 1395o(a) of this title but not paragraph (2) of such section shall be treated as satisfying such paragraph (1) on the first day on which he is (or on filing application would have been) entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A.

(d) Eligible individuals on or after March 1, 1966

In the case of an individual who first satisfies paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1395o(a) of this title on or after March 1, 1966, his initial enrollment period shall begin on the first day of the third month before the month in which he first satisfies such paragraphs and shall end seven months later. Where the Secretary finds that an individual who has attained age 65 failed to enroll under this part during his initial enrollment period (based on a determination by the Secretary of the month in which such individual attained age 65), because such individual (relying on documentary evidence) was mistaken as to his correct date of birth, the Secretary shall establish for such individual an initial enrollment period based on his attaining age 65 at the time shown in such documentary evidence (with a coverage period determined under section 1395q of this title as though he had attained such age at that time).

(e) General enrollment period

There shall be a general enrollment period during the period beginning on January 1 and ending on March 31 of each year.

(f) Individuals deemed enrolled in medical insurance program

Any individual-

(1) who is eligible under section 1395o(a) of this title to enroll in the medical insurance program by reason of entitlement to hospital insurance benefits as described in paragraph (1) of such section, and
(2) whose initial enrollment period under subsection (d) begins after March 31, 1973, and
(3) who is residing in the United States, exclusive of Puerto Rico,

shall be deemed to have enrolled in the medical insurance program established by this part.

(g) Commencement of enrollment period

All of the provisions of this section shall apply to individuals satisfying subsection (f), except that-

(1) in the case of an individual who satisfies subsection (f) by reason of entitlement to disability insurance benefits described in section 426(b) of this title, his initial enrollment period shall begin on the first day of the later of (A) April 1973 or (B) the third month before the 25th month of such entitlement, and shall reoccur with each continuous period of eligibility (as defined in section 1395r(d) of this title) and upon attainment of age 65;
(2)
(A) in the case of an individual who is entitled to monthly benefits under section 402 or 423 of this title on the first day of his initial enrollment period or becomes entitled to monthly benefits under section 402 of this title during the first 3 months of such period, his enrollment shall be deemed to have occurred in the third month of his initial enrollment period, and
(B) in the case of an individual who is not entitled to benefits under section 402 of this title on the first day of his initial enrollment period and does not become so entitled during the first 3 months of such period, his enrollment shall be deemed to have occurred in the month in which he files the application establishing his entitlement to hospital insurance benefits provided such filing occurs during the last 4 months of his initial enrollment period; and
(3) in the case of an individual who would otherwise satisfy subsection (f) but does not establish his entitlement to hospital insurance benefits until after the last day of his initial enrollment period (as defined in subsection (d) of this section), his enrollment shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the earlier of the then current or immediately succeeding general enrollment period (as defined in subsection (e) of this section).
(h) Waiver of enrollment period requirements where individual's rights were prejudiced by administrative error or inaction

In any case where the Secretary finds that an individual's enrollment or nonenrollment in the insurance program established by this part or part A pursuant to section 1395i-2 of this title is unintentional, inadvertent, or erroneous and is the result of the error, misrepresentation, or inaction of an officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government, or its instrumentalities, the Secretary may take such action (including the designation for such individual of a special initial or subsequent enrollment period, with a coverage period determined on the basis thereof and with appropriate adjustments of premiums) as may be necessary to correct or eliminate the effects of such error, misrepresentation, or inaction.

(i) Special enrollment periods
(1) In the case of an individual who-
(A) at the time the individual first satisfies paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1395o(a) of this title, is enrolled in a group health plan described in section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v) of this title by reason of the individual's (or the individual's spouse's) current employment status, and
(B) has elected not to enroll (or to be deemed enrolled) under this section during the individual's initial enrollment period,

there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3). In the case of an individual not described in the previous sentence who has not attained the age of 65, at the time the individual first satisfies paragraph (1) of section 1395o(a) of this title, is enrolled in a large group health plan (as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iii) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual), and has elected not to enroll (or to be deemed enrolled) under this section during the individual's initial enrollment period, there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3)(B).

(2) In the case of an individual who-
(A)
(i) has enrolled (or has been deemed to have enrolled) in the medical insurance program established under this part during the individual's initial enrollment period, or
(ii) is an individual described in paragraph (1)(A);
(B) has enrolled in such program during any subsequent special enrollment period under this subsection during which the individual was not enrolled in a group health plan described in section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v) of this title by reason of the individual's (or individual's spouse's) current employment status; and
(C) has not terminated enrollment under this section at any time at which the individual is not enrolled in such a group health plan by reason of the individual's (or individual's spouse's) current employment status,

there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3). In the case of an individual not described in the previous sentence who has not attained the age of 65, has enrolled (or has been deemed to have enrolled) in the medical insurance program established under this part during the individual's initial enrollment period, or is an individual described in the second sentence of paragraph (1), has enrolled in such program during any subsequent special enrollment period under this subsection during which the individual was not enrolled in a large group health plan (as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iii) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual), and has not terminated enrollment under this section at any time at which the individual is not enrolled in such a large group health plan by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual), there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3)(B).

(3)
(A) The special enrollment period referred to in the first sentences of paragraphs (1) and (2) is the period including each month during any part of which the individual is enrolled in a group health plan described in section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v) of this title by reason of current employment status ending with the last day of the eighth consecutive month in which the individual is at no time so enrolled.
(B) The special enrollment period referred to in the second sentences of paragraphs (1) and (2) is the period including each month during any part of which the individual is enrolled in a large group health plan (as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iii) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual) ending with the last day of the eighth consecutive month in which the individual is at no time so enrolled.
(4)
(A) In the case of an individual who is entitled to benefits under part A pursuant to section 426(b) of this title and-
(i) who at the time the individual first satisfies paragraph (1) of section 1395o(a) of this title-
(I) is enrolled in a group health plan described in section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v) of this title by reason of the individual's current or former employment or by reason of the current or former employment status of a member of the individual's family, and
(II) has elected not to enroll (or to be deemed enrolled) under this section during the individual's initial enrollment period; and
(ii) whose continuous enrollment under such group health plan is involuntarily terminated at a time when the enrollment under the plan is not by reason of the individual's current employment or by reason of the current employment of a member of the individual's family,

there shall be a special enrollment period described in subparagraph (B).

(B) The special enrollment period referred to in subparagraph (A) is the 6-month period beginning on the first day of the month which includes the date of the enrollment termination described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
(j) Special rules for individuals with ALS

In applying this section in the case of an individual who is entitled to benefits under part A pursuant to the operation of section 426(h) of this title, the following special rules apply:

(1) The initial enrollment period under subsection (d) shall begin on the first day of the first month in which the individual satisfies the requirement of section 1395o(a)(1) of this title.
(2) In applying subsection (g)(1), the initial enrollment period shall begin on the first day of the first month of entitlement to disability insurance benefits referred to in such subsection.
(k) Special enrollment period for certain volunteers serving outside United States
(1) In the case of an individual who-
(A) at the time the individual first satisfies paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1395o(a) of this title, is described in paragraph (3), and has elected not to enroll (or to be deemed enrolled) under this section during the individual's initial enrollment period; or
(B) has terminated enrollment under this section during a month in which the individual is described in paragraph (3),

there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (2).

(2) The special enrollment period described in this paragraph is the 6-month period beginning on the first day of the month which includes the date that the individual is no longer described in paragraph (3).
(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), an individual described in this paragraph is an individual who-
(A) is serving as a volunteer outside of the United States through a program-
(i) that covers at least a 12-month period; and
(ii) that is sponsored by an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and
(B) demonstrates health insurance coverage while serving in the program.
(l) Special enrollment period for disabled TRICARE beneficiaries
(1) In the case of any individual who is a covered beneficiary (as defined in section 1072(5) of title 10) at the time the individual is entitled to part A under section 426(b) of this title or section 426-1 of this title and who is eligible to enroll but who has elected not to enroll (or to be deemed enrolled) during the individual's initial enrollment period, there shall be a special enrollment period described in paragraph (2).
(2) The special enrollment period described in this paragraph, with respect to an individual, is the 12-month period beginning on the day after the last day of the initial enrollment period of the individual or, if later, the 12-month period beginning with the month the individual is notified of enrollment under this section.
(3) In the case of an individual who enrolls during the special enrollment period provided under paragraph (1), the coverage period under this part shall begin on the first day of the month in which the individual enrolls, or, at the option of the individual, the first month after the end of the individual's initial enrollment period.
(4) An individual may only enroll during the special enrollment period provided under paragraph (1) one time during the individual's lifetime.
(5) The Secretary shall ensure that the materials relating to coverage under this part that are provided to an individual described in paragraph (1) prior to the individual's initial enrollment period contain information concerning the impact of not enrolling under this part, including the impact on health care benefits under the TRICARE program under chapter 55 of title 10.
(6) The Secretary of Defense shall collaborate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to provide for the accurate identification of individuals described in paragraph (1). The Secretary of Defense shall provide such individuals with notification with respect to this subsection. The Secretary of Defense shall collaborate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to ensure appropriate follow up pursuant to any notification provided under the preceding sentence.
(m) Special enrollment periods for exceptional circumstances

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Secretary may establish special enrollment periods in the case of individuals who satisfy paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1395o(a) of this title and meet such exceptional conditions as the Secretary may provide.

(n) Enrollment for individuals only eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs
(1) Any individual who is eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs under section 1395o(b) of this title may enroll or be deemed to have enrolled only in such manner and form as may be prescribed by regulations, and only during an enrollment period described in this subsection.
(2) An individual described in paragraph (1) whose entitlement for hospital insurance benefits under part A ends by reason of section 426-1(b)(2) of this title prior to January 1, 2023, may enroll beginning on October 1, 2022, or the day on which the individual first satisfies section 1395o(b) of this title, whichever is later.
(3) An individual described in paragraph (1) whose entitlement for hospital insurance benefits under part A ends by reason of section 426-1(b)(2) of this title on or after January 1, 2023, shall be deemed to have enrolled in the medical insurance program established by this part for purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.
(4) The Secretary shall establish a process under which an individual described in paragraph (1) whose other coverage described in section 1395o(b)(2)(A) of this title, or coverage under this part (including the medical insurance program established under this part for purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs), is terminated voluntarily or involuntary 1 may enroll or reenroll, if applicable, in the medical insurance program established under this part for purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.
(o) Special enrollment period for certain Postal Service annuitants and family members
(1) In the case of an individual who-
(A) as of January 1, 2024, is-
(i) a Postal Service annuitant who is entitled to benefits under part A of this subchapter, but excluding an individual who is eligible to enroll under such part under section 1395i-2 of this title or 1395i-2a of this title; or
(ii) a member of family (as defined in section 8901(5) of title 5) of a Postal Service annuitant and is entitled to benefits under part A of this subchapter, but excluding an individual who is eligible to enroll under such part under section 1395i-2 of this title or 1395i-2a of this title; and
(B) is not enrolled under this part, the individual may elect to be enrolled under this part during a special enrollment period during the 6-month period beginning on April 1, 2024.
(2) In this subsection, the term "Postal Service annuitant" means an annuitant enrolled in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, whose Government contribution is required to be paid under section 8906(g)(2) of such title.

1 So in original. Probably should be "involuntarily".

42 U.S.C. § 1395p

Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XVIII, §1837, as added Pub. L. 89-97, title I, §102(a), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 304; amended Pub. L. 89-384, §3(a), (b), Apr. 8, 1966, 80 Stat. 105; Pub. L. 90-248, title I, §§136(a), title I, 145 (a), (b), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 853, 859; Pub. L. 92-603, title II, §§201(c)(2), title II, 206 (a), 259(a), 260, Oct. 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 1372, 1378, 1448; Pub. L. 96-265, title I, §103(a)(3), June 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 444; Pub. L. 96-499, title IX, §945(a), (b), Dec. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 2642; Pub. L. 97-35, title XXI, §2151(a)(1), (2), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 98-369, div. B, title III, §§2338(b), 2354(b)(10), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1092, 1101; Pub. L. 99-272, title IX, §§9201(c)(1), title IX, 9219 (a)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 171, 182; Pub. L. 99-509, title IX, §9319(c)(1) -(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 2011; Pub. L. 99-514, title XVIII, §1895(b) (12), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2934; Pub. L. 101-239, title VI, §6202(b)(4)(C), (c) (1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2233; Pub. L. 103-432, title I, §§147(f)(1)(A), Oct. 31, 1994, 151, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4430, 4435; Pub. L. 105-33, title IV, §§4581(b)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 4631, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 465, 486; Pub. L. 106-554, §1(a)(6) [title I, §115(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-474; Pub. L. 109-171, title V, §5115(a)(2)(A), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 45; Pub. L. 111-148, title III, §3110(a)(1), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 420; Pub. L. 116-260 div. CC, title I, §120(a)(2)(A), title IV, §402(a)(2)(B), (b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2954, 2999; Pub. L. 117-108, title I, §101(b)(1), Apr. 6, 2022, 136 Stat. 1136.

EDITORIAL NOTES

REFERENCES IN TEXTSection 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (k)(3)(A)(ii), is classified to section 501 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

AMENDMENTS2022-Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 117-108 added subsec. (o).2020- Pub. L. 116-260, §402(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted "section 1395o(a) of this title" for "section 1395o of this title" wherever appearing except in subsec. (m).Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 116-260, §402(a)(2)(B)(ii), substituted "section 1395o(a)(1) of this title" for "section 1395o(1) of this title".Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 116-260, §120(a)(2)(A), added subsec. (m).Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 116-260, §402(b), added subsec. (n). 2010-Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 111-148 added subsec. (l). 2006-Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109-171 added subsec. (k).2000-Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 106-554 added subsec. (j).1997-Subsec. (i)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 105-33, §4631(a)(2), substituted "1395y(b)(1)(B)(iii) of this title" for "1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title" wherever appearing. Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 105-33, §4581(b)(1), added par. (4). 1994-Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(A), in closing provisions substituted "(as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual)" for "as an active individual (as those terms are defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title)".Subsec. (i)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(D), inserted "status" after "current employment".Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(A), (C), in closing provisions substituted "(as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual)" for "as an active individual (as those terms are defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title)" and "by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual)" for "as an active individual". Subsec. (i)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(D), inserted "status" after "current employment".Subsec. (i)(3)(A). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(D), inserted "status" after "current employment". Pub. L. 103-432, §147(f)(1)(A), substituted "including each month during any part of which the individual is enrolled" for "beginning with the first day of the first month in which the individual is no longer enrolled" and "ending with the last day of the eighth consecutive month in which the individual is at no time so enrolled" for "and ending seven months later".Subsec. (i)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103-432, §151(c)(2)(B), substituted "in a large group health plan (as that term is defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title) by reason of the individual's current employment status (or the current employment status of a family member of the individual)" for "as an active individual in a large group health plan (as such terms are defined in section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv) of this title)". Pub. L. 103-432, §147(f)(1)(A), substituted "including each month during any part of which the individual is enrolled" for "beginning with the first day of the first month in which the individual is no longer enrolled" and "ending with the last day of the eighth consecutive month in which the individual is at no time so enrolled" for "and ending seven months later".1989-Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 101-239, §6202(c)(1)(A), redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) as (A) and (B), respectively, struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "has attained the age of 65,", and inserted "not described in the previous sentence" after "In the case of an individual" in second sentence. Pub. L. 101-239, §6202(b)(4)(C), substituted "section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v)" and "section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv)" for "section 1395y(b)(3)(A)(iv)" and "section 1395y(b)(4)(B)", respectively.Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 101-239, §6202(c)(1)(B), substituted "(1)(A)" for "(1)(B)" in subpar. (B)(i), redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) as (A) and (B), respectively, struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "has attained the age of 65;", and inserted "not described in the previous sentence" after "In the case of an individual" in second sentence. Pub. L. 101-239, §6202(b)(4)(C), substituted "section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v)" and "section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv)" for "section 1395y(b)(3)(A)(iv)" and "section 1395y(b)(4)(B)", respectively.Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 101-239, §6202(b)(4)(C), substituted "section 1395y(b)(1)(A)(v)" and "section 1395y(b)(1)(B)(iv)" for "section 1395y(b)(3)(A)(iv)" and "section 1395y(b)(4)(B)", respectively.1986-Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 99-509, §9319(c)(1), inserted sentence at end providing for a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3)(B) for individuals not age 65, enrolled in a large health plan, and having elected not to enroll during initial enrollment period.Subsec. (i)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99-514 realigned margins of subpar. (A). Pub. L. 99-272, §9219(a)(2)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting "has attained the age of 65" for "meets the conditions described in clauses (i) and (iii) of section 1395y(b)(3)(A) of this title".Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 99-509, §9319(c)(2), inserted sentence at end providing for a special enrollment period described in paragraph (3)(B) for individuals not age 65, enrolled or deemed enrolled in the medical insurance program established under this part, or is an individual described in the second sentence of paragraph (1), has enrolled in such program during a subsequent special enrollment period during which the individual was not enrolled in a large group health plan, and has not terminated enrollment.Subsec. (i)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99-272, §9219(a)(2)(B), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting "has attained the age of 65;" for "meets the conditions described in clauses (i) and (iii) of section 1395y(b)(3)(A) of this title,".Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99-272, §9219(a)(2)(B), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "has enrolled (or has been deemed to have enrolled) in the medical insurance program established under this part during the individual's initial enrollment period and any subsequent special enrollment period under this subsection during which the individual was not enrolled in a group health plan described in section 1395y(b)(3)(A)(iv) of this title by reason of the individual's (or individual's spouse's) current employment, and".Subsec. (i)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 99-272, §9219(a)(2)(B), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 99-509, §9319(c)(3), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted "the first sentences of" after "referred to in", and added subpar. (B). Pub. L. 99-272, §9201(c)(1), amended par. (3) generally, striking out provision that special enrollment period could be period beginning with first day of third month before month in which the individual attains age of 70 and ending seven months later.1984-Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 98-369, §2354(b)(10), substituted "section 426(b) of this title" for "section 426(a)(2)(B) of this title" and "section 1395r(d) of this title" for "section 1395(e) of this title".Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98-369, §2338(b), added subsec. (i).1981-Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97-35, §2151(a)(1), substituted "during the period beginning on January 1 and ending on March 31 of each year" for "which is any period after the period described in subsection (d) of this section". Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 97-35, §2151(a)(2), substituted "the earlier of the then current or immediately succeeding general enrollment period (as defined in subsection (e) of this section)" for "the month in which the individual files an application establishing such entitlement". 1980-Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96-499, §945(a), struck out subsec. (b) which provided that no individual could enroll under this part more than twice.Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96-499, §945(b)(1), substituted "which is any period after the period described in subsection (d) of this section" for ", after the period described in subsection (c) of this section, during the period beginning on January 1 and ending on March 31 of each year beginning with 1969".Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 96-265 substituted "the 25th month" for "the 25th consecutive month". Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 96-499, §945(b)(2), substituted "the month in which the individual files an application establishing such entitlement" for "the earlier of the then current or immediately succeeding general enrollment period (as defined in subsection (e) of this section)". 1972-Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92-603, §260, struck out provisions preventing enrollment under this part more than three years after first opportunity for such enrollment. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 92-603, §201(c)(2)(A), (B), substituted "paragraph (1) or (2)" for "paragraphs (1) and (2)", and substituted provisions relating to the treatment of an individual who has attained age 65 and who satisfies paragraph (1) of section 1395o of this title but not paragraph (2) of such section, for provisions relating to the treatment of an individual who satisfies paragraph (2) of section 1395o of this title solely by reason of subparagraph (B) thereof.Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 92-603, §201(c)(2)(C), substituted "paragraph (1) or (2)" for "paragraphs (1) and (2)". Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 92-603, §206(a), added subsecs. (f) and (g).Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 92-603, §259(a), added subsec. (h).1968-Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 90-248, §145(a), permitted an individual enrolling in supplementary medical insurance program for first time to enroll at any time in a general enrollment period which begins within 3 years of close of his initial enrollment period.Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90-248, §136(a), inserted last sentence providing that if an individual who has attained age 65 failed to enroll in program because, relying on erroneous documentary evidence, he was mistaken about his age, he may enroll using date of attainment of age 65 that he alleges under documentary evidence.Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90-248, §145(b), provided for an annual general enrollment period for supplementary medical insurance program beginning January 1 and ending March 31 of each year, commencing in 1969.1966-Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89-384, §3(a), delayed eligibility date from January 1, 1966, to March 1, 1966, and closing date for enrollment period from March 31, 1966, to May 31, 1966.Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89-384, §3(b), substituted March 1, 1966, for January 1, 1966.

STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2010 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 111-148, title III, §3110(a)(2), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 420, as amended by Pub. L. 111-309, title II, §201, Dec. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3289, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to elections made on and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2010]."[Pub. L. 111-309, title II, §201, Dec. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3289, provided that the amendment made by section 201 to section 3110(a)(2) of Pub. L. 111-148 set out above, is effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 111-148.]

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2006 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 109-171, title V, §5115(b), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 46, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending section 1395r of this title] shall apply to months beginning with January 2007 and the amendments made by subsection (a)(2) [amending this section and section 1395q of this title] shall take effect on January 1, 2007."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2000 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-554 applicable to benefits for months beginning July 1, 2001, see section 1(a)(6) [title I, §115(c)] of Pub. L. 106-554 set out as a note under section 426 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1997 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105-33, title IV, §4581(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 465, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1395q and 1395r of this title] shall apply to involuntary terminations of coverage under a group health plan occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997]."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103-432, title I, §147(f)(1)(C), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4431, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraphs (A) and (B) [amending this section and section 1395q of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first month that begins after the expiration of the 120-day period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1994]." Pub. L. 103-432, title I, §151(c)(2), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4435, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 103-66.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1989 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 6202(b)(4)(C) of Pub. L. 101-239 applicable to items and services furnished after Dec. 19, 1989, see section 6202(b)(5) of Pub. L. 101-239 set out as a note under section 162 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. Pub. L. 101-239, title VI, §6202(c)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2234, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 1395r of this title] shall apply to enrollments occurring after, and premiums for months after, the second calendar quarter beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 1989]."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 99-514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in enactment of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, Pub. L. 99-272, see section 1895(e) of Pub. L. 99-514 set out as a note under section 162 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. Amendment by Pub. L. 99-509 applicable to enrollments occurring on or after Jan. 1, 1987, see section 9319(f)(2) of Pub. L. 99-509 set out as a note under section 1395y of this title. Pub. L. 99-272, title IX, §9201(d)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 171, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section, section 1395q of this title, and sections 623 and 631 of Title 29, Labor] shall become effective on May 1, 1986." Pub. L. 99-272, title IX, §9219(a)(3)(B), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 182, provided that:"(i) The amendments made by paragraph (2) [amending this section] shall apply to enrollments in months beginning with the first effective month (as defined in clause (ii)), except that in the case of any individual who would have a special enrollment period under section 1837(i) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395p(i)] that would have begun after November 1984 and before the first effective month, the period shall be deemed to begin with the first day of the first effective month."(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the term 'first effective month' means the first month that begins more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986]."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 98-369, div. B, title III, §2338(d)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1093, provided that:"(A) The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section and section 1395q of this title] shall apply to enrollments in months beginning with the first effective month, except that in the case of any individual who would have had a special enrollment period under section 1837(i) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395p(i)] that would have begun before such first effective month, such period shall be deemed to begin with the first day of such first effective month."(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 'first effective month' means the first month which begins more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984]."Amendment by section 2354(b)(10) of Pub. L. 98-369 effective July 18, 1984, but not to be construed as changing or affecting any right, liability, status, or interpretation which existed (under the provisions of law involved) before that date, see section 2354(e)(1) of Pub. L. 98-369 set out as a note under section 1320a-1 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1981 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 97-35, title XXI, §2151(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 802, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1395q and 1395r of this title] shall not apply to enrollments pursuant to written requests for enrollment filed before October 1, 1981."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1980 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 96-499, title IX, §945(d), Dec. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 2642, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and sections 1395q and 1395r of this title] shall apply to enrollments occurring on or after April 1, 1981."Amendment by Pub. L. 96-265 applicable with respect to hospital insurance or supplementary medical insurance benefits for services provided on or after the first day of the sixth month which begins after June 9, 1980, see section 103(c) of Pub. L. 96-265 set out as a note under section 426 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1972 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 92-603, title II, §259(b), Oct. 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 1448, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective as of July 1, 1966."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 90-248, title I, §136(b), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 853, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to individuals enrolling under part B of title XVIII [42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.] in months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 1968]." Pub. L. 90-248, title I, §145(e), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 859, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and section 1395q of this title] shall become effective April 1, 1968. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2 of Public Law 90-97 the amendments made by subsection (d) [amending section 1395r of this title] shall become effective December 1, 1968."

MEDICARE PART B SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD Pub. L. 108-173, title VI, §625(b), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2318, provided that:"(1) IN GENERAL.-In the case of any individual who, as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2003], is eligible to enroll but is not enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.] and is a covered beneficiary (as defined in section 1072(5) of title 10, United States Code), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide for a special enrollment period during which the individual may enroll under such part. Such period shall begin as soon as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall end on December 31, 2004."(2) COVERAGE PERIOD.-In the case of an individual who enrolls during the special enrollment period provided under paragraph (1), the coverage period under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.] shall begin on the first day of the month following the month in which the individual enrolls."

EXTENSION THROUGH MARCH 31, 1968 OF 1967 GENERAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD Pub. L. 90-97, §1, Sept. 30, 1967, 81 Stat. 249, extended the general enrollment period under subsec. (e) of this section, beginning Oct. 1, 1967, and ending Dec. 31, 1967, for purposes of enrolling in the insurance program established under part B of title XVIII of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.] and of terminating such enrollment as provided in section 1395q(b)(1) of this title, through Mar. 31, 1968.

ENROLLMENT BEFORE OCT. 1, 1966, OF ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS FAILING FOR GOOD CAUSE TO ENROLL BEFORE JUNE 1, 1966; COMMENCEMENT OF COVERAGE PERIOD Pub. L. 89-97, title I, §102(b), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 332, as amended by Pub. L. 89-384, §3(c), Apr. 8, 1966, 80 Stat. 105, provided that: "If-"(1) an individual was eligible to enroll under section 1837(c) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395p(c)] before June 1, 1966, but failed to enroll before such date, and "(2) it is shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Health and Human Services] that there was good cause for such failure to enroll before June 1, 1966, such individual may enroll pursuant to this subsection at any time before October 1, 1966. The determination of what constitutes good cause for purposes of the preceding sentence shall be made in accordance with regulations of the Secretary. In the case of any individual who enrolls pursuant to this subsection, the coverage period (within the meaning of section 1838 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395q] ) shall begin on the first day of the 6th month after the month in which he enrolls."

United States
The term "United States" means (but only for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph) the fifty States and the District of Columbia.
Secretary
the term "Secretary" means- (A) the Secretary of Education for purposes of subtitle A (other than section 3201),(B) the Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of the amendments made by section 3201, and(C) the Secretary of Health and Human Services for purposes of subtitle B,