A Special Enrollment Period is a specific window of time outside of the standard Initial Enrollment Period (when you first turn 65) or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). You qualify for an SEP when you experience certain life changes, such as moving, losing current insurance coverage, or qualifying for additional financial assistance. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or drug plans without penalty.
You can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage) or a Medicare drug plan, or return to Original Medicare. If you don’t select a new plan before your current coverage ends, you will be automatically placed in Original Medicare.
- When to act: Your SEP lasts for two full months after the month you move. If you notify your plan before you move, it starts the month before and lasts two months after.
Yes. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage or drug plan, or return to Original Medicare.
- When to act: You have two full months after the month you move to make changes.
You are eligible to join a Medicare Advantage or Medicare drug plan.
- When to act: You have two full months after the month you move back to the U.S
You can join a new plan, switch plans, return to Original Medicare, or drop drug coverage (if you have other "creditable" coverage).
- When to act: You can make changes anytime while living in the facility, and for two full months after the month you move out.
You can join a new plan, switch your current plan, or return to Original Medicare.
- When to act: You have three full months from the date you lose eligibility (or the date you are notified, whichever is later).
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare drug plan.
- When to act: You have two full months to enroll after your employer/union coverage ends.
Yes. You can join a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage or a standalone drug plan.
- When to act: You have two full months after the month you lose coverage or are notified of the change.
You can switch to another Medicare Advantage or drug plan. If you don't choose a new plan, you'll default to Original Medicare.
- If the contract ends: You can switch starting two months before the contract ends through one month after.
- If it wasn't renewed: Switch between December 8 and the last day of February.
Join or switch to a different Medicare drug plan.Drop a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage and return to Original Medicare by joining a stand-alone Medicare drug plan.
This Special Enrollment Period isn't available to you if you're identified as a "potential at-risk beneficiary" or "at-risk beneficiary" under the requirements for Part D drug management programs. You’ll get a letter from your plan if they identify you as “at-risk” or “potentially at-risk.”
When?
If you have Medicaid or get Extra Help, you can make changes to your coverage once a calendar month. The change will take effect on the first day of the next month.
(Note: Most people with Medicare can only make changes to their drug coverage at certain times of the year.)
Yes. If you gave up a Medigap policy to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can return to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy within the first 12 months.
If you think you have a qualifying situation not listed here, give us a call.
- Phone: 1-855-993-6127 (TTY 711)
- Hours: 8 am–8 pm, 7 days a week
- More Info: Visit Medicare.gov