The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced an extension of Medicare Open Enrollment for Americans affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. This special enrollment period will be extended for all Medicare beneficiaries to December 31st. The extension will give the families and individuals who were affected by the hurricanes the ability to enroll in coverage, unenroll, or change their Medicare and drug plans until December 31.
“The lives of millions of Americans have been disrupted and impacted in some way by recent hurricanes,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Setting up special enrollment periods gives Medicare beneficiaries and individuals seeking coverage on the Federal Exchange the opportunity to access health coverage during this difficult time and when they need it the most. We remain committed to doing all we can to help support the areas and individuals affected by these historic and catastrophic hurricanes.”
Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are the states affected by the hurricanes.CMS has decided that they will continue to focus on the conditions in the areas impacted by the hurricanes and consider if further action will be taken beyond December 31st.
Alongside the extensions, in order to offer providers, facilities, and suppliers the flexibility required to focus on the health of those affected by the hurricanes, CMS temporarily modified or waived certain requirements of Medicare and Medicaid.
The extension is hoped to offer some relief to those dealing with the catastrophic damage by the hurricanes. If you are in these states you automatically qualify for this special enrollment period, to see live quotes instantly you can insert your zip code in the box above. Coverage will start at the time of the incident period, and lasts a calendar year.
