Section 11. Initial Benefits

Eligibility begins the month after the month the case is approved. No retroactive coverage is available. Enrollment periods for medicare coverage: Individuals who are not entitled to free medicare Part A can purchase it. This is called “premium” or “conditional” Part A coverage. Applicants who are entitled to free medicare Part A may apply for QMB at any time. Enrollment for premium/conditional medicare Part A, is accepted by the social security administration (SSA) once a year, from January through March, with coverage starting in July. If a QMB applicant has an award letter or medicare card showing premium/conditional enrollment for July, the case can be approved in June with coverage beginning in July.