Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of the standard enrollment windows when a qualifying life event occurs. SEPs are not automatic — you must act within a specific timeframe after the triggering event.

Common SEP triggers include:

• Losing employer or union health coverage
• Moving to a new address not served by your current plan
• Your plan leaving your area or losing its Medicare contract
• Becoming eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)
• Moving into or out of a nursing home or assisted living facility
• Being released from incarceration

The duration of the SEP depends on the triggering event — most are 2 months, but some (like loss of employer coverage) can be 8 months for Part B. If you've had a life change, contact a Medicare advisor right away to confirm your SEP eligibility before time runs out.