Ms$.$ Thomas has worked for many years and is turning $68$ in June. She is eligible for Medicare Part A and did not enroll for Part B when first eligible because she has insurance through her employer Coffee Brew, Inc. She also did not enroll in Part D because she had creditable coverage. She would like to retire in June and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. She has been informed that her group coverage will end on her retirement effective date. How would you advise Ms$.$ Thomas?Question $42$ Answera.Ms$.$ Thomas should enroll in Part B$,$ which would enable her to use the SEP for individuals changing from employer group coverage to enroll in a MA plan or MA$-$PD$.$ The SEP will last until $3$ months after the month her employer coverage ends.b$.$Ms$.$ Thomas should request continued COBRA coverage under her employer group plan. This coverage will last $18$ months and provide her with time to select either a MA plan or MA$-$PD plan when her COBRA coverage ends. The SEP will last $6$ months after the month the COBRA coverage ends.c$.$Ms$.$ Thomas should enroll in Part D to obtain prescription drug coverage under a PDP$.$ It will not be necessary for Ms$.$ Thomas to enroll in Part B since it offers drug coverage that duplicates most PDP plans.d$.$Ms$.$ Thomas can enroll in Part B without a late penalty at any time she is still covered by her employer group and $8$ months after her last month of employer group coverage without a penalty. However, because she wants to enroll in a MA plan after retirement, she should make sure her Part B coverage is effective in time to use the Medicare Advantage$/$Part D special election period for individuals changing from employer group coverage to enroll in a MA plan or MA$-$PD$.$ The SEP begins while she has employer group coverage and will last until $2$ months after the month after the month her employer coverage ends. If she wants Part D coverage she should enroll in an MA$-$PD or a PDP $($depending on how she decides to receive her Part A and B benefits$)$ during this time.