What is one of the key features of Medicare regarding its enrollment process?

One of the key features of Medicare is that automatic enrollment occurs for individuals who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after a designated waiting period, typically 24 months. This automatic enrollment feature ensures that those who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability do not have to take additional steps to enroll in Medicare; they are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B when they become eligible. This process simplifies access to healthcare for disabled individuals and avoids potential gaps in health coverage.

The other options do not accurately reflect Medicare’s enrollment policies. Medicare does not allow enrollment to be entirely optional irrespective of age, and there are specific initial enrollment periods that must be adhered to for those who are not automatically enrolled. Additionally, while there are specific circumstances that allow for late enrollment, penalties can apply if individuals do not enroll during their designated enrollment periods.