CMS Extends time to enroll in Medicare parts A & B in case of COVID-19-related issues
One fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the closing of local Social Security Administration offices and delays in the normal SSA processing time, making it difficult for people turning 65 to complete an application for Medicare Part B and/or premium-paid Medicare Part A. In light of this situation, CMS has announced that individuals who missed their window because of COVID-19-related issues with completing the application can have additional time to enroll.
The equitable relief period extends from March 17 - June 17, 2020 and applies only to individuals who meet the following criteria:
The beneficiary had an IEP, GEP, or SEP during the period from March 17, 2020, through June 17, 2020 and
The beneficiary did not apply for Part B (or premium-Part A) or refuse Part B during that IEP, GEP, or SEP.
Those who qualify for this extended enrollment period need to file their enrollment request by June 17. They won't need to show proof that their enrollment was impacted by issues related to COVID-19, according to the FAQ released by CMS (the FAQ can be accessed on this page).
As with the disaster relief SEP, seniors who qualify for this extension may not be aware of it and, if they are, may have trouble figuring out how to take advantage of it. On Medicare.gov, the availability of the extended period is highlighted on the page that covers Medicare Part A & B signup periods, but no detail is given and there's no link to further information. Anyone who wants to find out more about the extension would need to know to go to CMS. gov, click on the COVID-19 link, find their way to the page with Medicare information, scroll down to find the link to Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment and know to click on that link. Not simple, especially for elders.
We applaud CMS's willingness to offer relief to people who need a little more time right now, but we'd like to see the information made both easier to find and more broadly available to beneficiaries.
