Residents in Moore County who have missed the Dec. 7 deadline to join, switch or drop a Medicare health plan or drug plan coverage due to the widespread power outage will still be able to sign up after today.
People who were unable to enroll, switch or drop a Medicare plan because of the power outage will now have until two months after the emergency ends to act.
Usually, the open enrollment period for Medicare is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year to join, switch or drop a plan, with coverage beginning Jan. 1. CMS allows Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for those impacted by federal, state or local declared disasters or emergencies to give eligible induvials adequate time to enroll after a declared emergency.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug sponsors are aware of this SEP and will process enrollments received from anyone in this area. 1-800-Medicare, advocates and State Health Insurance Partners are also aware of the availability of this SEP and can help individuals enroll.
For more information on signing up for Medicare or picking a plan, visit www.medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE.