A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to enroll in Medicare outside of the regular enrollment periods when you experience a qualifying event. Common qualifying events include: losing employer coverage, moving, losing Medicaid, and leaving incarceration. SEP windows are typically 2-8 months.
Key Points
- SEP: enroll in Medicare outside regular enrollment periods
- Common qualifying events: losing employer coverage, moving, losing Medicaid
- SEP window: typically 2-8 months from the qualifying event
- No late enrollment penalty when using a SEP
- An independent agent can help you determine if you qualify for a SEP