The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has declared that individuals meeting the requirements listed in the original COVID-19 SEP announcement can enroll, dis-enroll, or switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans until June 30, 2020.
Senior65.com is always alert for new information related to the Coronavirus pandemic and how it relates to Medicare. On May 5th, CMS clarified that there would be exceptional conditions applied for individuals affected by a FEMA-Declared Weather Related Emergency or Major Disaster. This enrollment option is available for beneficiaries who were eligible for — but unable to make — an election because they were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Note this SEP applies to all 50 states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Who can enroll during COVID-19’s Special Enrollment Period?
This extended SEP will be available to beneficiaries who fulfill the following conditions:
- Reside, or resided at the start of the incident period, in an area for which FEMA has declared an emergency or a major disaster and has designated affected counties as being eligible to apply for individual or public level assistance.
- Had another valid election period at the time of the incident period.
- Did not make an election during their other valid election period.
CMS has also declared that beneficiaries will not be expected to provide proof that they were affected by the pandemic-related emergency.
Eligible enrollments will be effective the first of the month after the application has been processed.
CMS will continue to evaluate the circumstances in the affected areas and, if needed, will consider taking additional action. We will be posting any additional measures as soon as they are taken.
If this special enrollment applies to you, this means you can join, leave or switch your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan during this month. Get an MA quote below or give us a call here at Senior65.com for assistance with this process.
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