CMS extends Medicare, federal exchange enrollment for hurricane victims

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday announced special enrollment periods for Medicare and the federally-facilitated health insurance exchange to help eligible individuals and families impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria gain immediate access to health coverage or change their existing health plan. The Medicare SEP is available through Dec. 31 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. The federal exchange SEP is available for 2017 and 2018 plans by contacting the Exchange Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. “The lives of millions of Americans have been disrupted and impacted in some way by recent hurricanes,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Setting up special enrollment periods gives Medicare beneficiaries and individuals seeking coverage on the Federal Exchange the opportunity to access health coverage during this difficult time and when they need it the most.”