Special Enrollment
You can only enroll in Medicare during enrollment periods. These periods usually fall between certain dates, but Special Enrollment Periods can happen at any time. To learn more about how Special Enrollment Periods work and whether you qualify for one, continue reading.
What are Special Enrollment Periods?
Special Enrollment Periods are granted to individuals who have special circumstances that prevent them from enrolling during one of the other enrollment periods. There are several ways to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. For example, people who recently changed where they live can access Special Enrollment Periods. This is especially true for people who’ve moved outside of their current plan’s service area.
How to Get a Special Enrollment Period
Here is a list of reasons that you can use to get a Special Enrollment Period:
- You changed where you live
- You recently were released from jail
- You just moved into, currently live in, or just moved out of an institution, such as a skilled nursing facility
- You lost your current coverage
- You’re no longer eligible for Medicaid
- You lost coverage from an employer or union
- You left a Medicare Cost Plan and need drug coverage
- Your plan changed its contract with Medicare