When a disaster or emergency strikes, dealing with your healthcare needs can be stressful. This guide provides essential information about Medicare coverage and enrollment options for beneficiaries affected by a federally declared disaster.
If a disaster disrupts your Medicare enrollment for Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (through MA open enrollment period), you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to make changes to your coverage outside of the standard enrollment windows. This could include enrolling in Medicare, switching plans, or changing your existing coverage. A local, state, or federal (FEMA) government must have declared the situation an emergency to be eligible.
Even during a disaster, your Medicare premiums are still due as usual. However, there’s flexibility if you’re facing financial hardship. If you’re having trouble making payments, you can request that your premiums be deducted directly from your Social Security check. Contact the Social Security Administration for assistance with this process.
If your usual pharmacy is closed or inaccessible due to the disaster, here’s what you can do:
Medicare Advantage plans have special rules to ensure you have access to care during emergencies.
Important: Always keep your plan’s contact information readily available and don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns.
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