SEP for Individuals Impacted by an Emergency or Disaster

Individuals who do not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible due to having an emergency or disaster declared by a federal, state, or local government entity in their area may enroll using this SEP.

If a person is eligible because they were impacted by an emergency or disaster, they can sign up as early as the month of the emergency or disaster, or up to six months after the emergency or disaster has ended. They may also be able to use this SEP if the disaster or emergency takes place where their authorized representative, legal guardian, or person who makes health care decisions on their behalf resides.

The SEP begins the date an emergency or disaster is declared, or the start date identified in the emergency declaration, whichever is earlier. The SEP ends six months after the later of:

The end date identified in the disaster or emergency declaration, or

The end date of any extensions or the date when the declaration has been determined to have ended or has been revoked, or

The date of the declaration, if such date is after the end of the disaster.

Medicare benefits will be effective the first day of the month following enrollment.