Special Election Period Extended
Answer: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the Special Election Period (SEP) for those people who lost their MA (Medicare Advantage) or PDP (Prescription Drug Plan) plans due to plan non-renewal the end of 2010 and who did not enroll in a new plan by 12/31/2010.
The new SEP goes through February 28th, 2011.
If you have already enrolled in a PDP plan, this SEP does not apply to you and you may not change PDP plans at this time. If you do qualify for the SEP and fail to make a selection by February 28th, you will be on original Medicare.
CMS has begun mailing out notices to those people who qualify for the SEP. If this SEP applies to you, keep an eye out for your letter from CMS. It is likely you will need to provide a copy of the letter with your new plan application. If you do not receive a letter and believe you qualify for the SEP, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
