Due to emergency declarations made across all 50 states due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for those affected. The Special Enrollment Period is valid from March 1, 2020 for residents of all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia, and will be valid for four full months.
Eligible Medicare recipients will have one opportunity during this time to enroll or disenroll in Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare-Medicaid plans. How do you qualify? Individuals who were unable to or did not make an election during another election period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period. Medicare recipients will not be expected to provide proof of being affected by the state of emergency.
If you enroll in coverage during this SEP, your benefits will be effective on the first day of the month following enrollment.
If you have specific questions regarding this Special Enrollment Period, please visit the official CMS website for details.
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