Sudden change of plans unexpectedly need Part B, while still in the initial enrollment period

[Ms. Toad]

4. I was just hoping for someone who had also fallen into this hole -

Or - at a minumum - had applied for Part B during an SEP and had it effective the 1st day of the month of application.

Thanks for the reference, but I'm largely allergic to insurance agents unless I know them well and have solid reasons to trust them with this 35+ year decision (given the longevity in my family).

FYI - Her site does have the correct rule about SEP v. IEP. But it has the same blanket statement made by my friend (the agent) about when coverage starts (the month after you apply). The Part B SEP application, another document from SS, and the woman I spoke with at SS last night suggest there is more flexibility than that. That added flexibility is critical for me, since I need it to start in the month in which I apply - since I am prohibited from applying until the month I need it to start.