In certain situations, Medicare beneficiaries are allowed to sign up for Medicare outside of their normal Medicare enrollment periods due to mitigating situations. The Medicare beneficiaries that qualify for the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) can sign up for a Medicare plan outside of their standard enrollment period.
Here are the things you need to know about Special Enrollment Periods.
What Events Qualify You for a Special Enrollment Period?
Loss of health insurance coverage and change in marital status are the most common events that qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Here are some other common situations under which you can qualify for the Special Enrollment Period:
- Your employer ends its group health plan and fails to provide a replacement coverage
- You leave your current employer, whether you resign, quit, or are fired, and lose coverage
- COBRA coverage ends
- You move to a new county or zip code
- There are new plan options available
- You move back to the country after living abroad
- You move into/out of a rehab hospital, psychiatric facility, or skilled nursing facility
- You leave incarceration
- You no longer qualify for Medicaid
- You are no longer covered by health insurance either from your employer or union
- Your employment or employer-provided plan ends
- Medicare sanctions your plan
- Medicare is not renewing your plan
Changes You Can Make During SEP
During this period, you may be able to:
- Switch from Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Part C plan to a Medicare Part A and B plan.
- Drop, add, or change your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
- Switch to a different Medicare Part C plan.
Do You Qualify for a SEP?
If you believe you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, it is essential to contact Medicare or speak with an experienced Medicare expert like those with Generations Insurance to check if you are eligible.
