Disaster Special Election Periods (SEPs) for Medicare Advantage Plans—2025 Guide
When nature turns life upside-down, the last thing you should worry about is paperwork. That’s why Medicare offers Disaster Special Election Periods (SEPs)—extra time to join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D drug plans if a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other officially declared emergency kept you from acting during a regular enrollment window.
What Counts as a “Disaster SEP”?
You can use the SEP if all three are true:
A federal, state, or local authority (like FEMA or a governor) declared an emergency or disaster for your primary residence.
The incident period overlapped a valid enrollment window—Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7), Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31), or any other personal SEP.
You couldn’t make your plan change during that window because of the disaster. (Think evacuation, power loss, mail disruptions, or simply prioritizing safety.)
Key timing rules
| When the SEP starts | First day of the disaster incident period |
|---|---|
| When it ends | Up to 6 months after the disaster ends (CMS can shorten or extend)cms.gov |
| New for 2025 | After Apr 1, 2025, you must call 1-800-MEDICARE (not the plan directly) to use this SEP. |
Your new coverage starts the first day of the month after the plan gets the request, unless you ask for a later date.medicare.gov
Why It Matters—Two Real-World Stories
Story #1 – Hurricane Ian Detour, Fort Myers, FL
Rosa G., 68, evacuated when Hurricane Ian hit Florida’s Gulf Coast (Sept 28 2022). Her apartment flooded, her mail was lost, and she spent weeks at her son’s house without internet. By the time things settled, the annual enrollment window (Oct 15–Dec 7) had ended.
A friend told Rosa about the Disaster SEP. In January she called 1-800-MEDICARE, cited the FEMA declaration for Hurricane Iancms.gov, and switched to a local Medicare Advantage plan with her orthopedic specialist in-network. Her new card arrived by February 1—no late-enrollment penalties, no gap in care.
Takeaway: Even if weeks—or months—have passed, you can still make the switch if a declared disaster blocked you from acting.
Story #2 – Maui Wildfires, Lahaina 2023
Daniel T., 71, lost his home in the August 2023 Maui wildfires. While staying with relatives on O‘ahu he discovered his mainland HMO plan wouldn’t cover most local doctors. The wildfire was an officially declared disaster, triggering the SEP for Hawai‘i residents.
With guidance from a licensed agent, Daniel elected a Hawaii-based PPO Medicare Advantage plan during the Disaster SEP. His new coverage took effect the next month, covering specialist visits on O‘ahu and telehealth sessions with his mainland cardiologist.
Takeaway: Disaster SEPs let you adapt your coverage to a new temporary address when local networks suddenly change.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Primary residence was in (or you were visiting) the declared area.
Missed or couldn’t finish an enrollment during AEP, OEP, or another SEP.
Action taken within the SEP window (up to 6 months after the disaster).
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) if the disaster ended on or after Apr 1, 2025.
(Print this list and keep it with your Medicare paperwork.)
How to Use the Disaster SEP—Step-by-Step
Confirm the declaration. Look up your ZIP on FEMA.gov or check the CMS disaster list.
Check the incident dates. Note the start and end so you know your SEP deadline.
Compare plans. Use Medicare’s Plan Finder or talk with a licensed agent.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (or the plan directly if the incident ended before Apr 1, 2025).
Give the operator the disaster name and date. Example: “Hurricane Ian, declared Sept 28 2022.”
Request the effective date. Usually the first of next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does every disaster automatically give me extra time?
Only if the declaration overlaps a valid enrollment window you missed. It’s not a blanket pass to change plans anytime.
Q: Do I need written proof?
Medicare may ask for your address and a brief reason (evacuated, no power, etc.). Keep any letters, insurance denials, or FEMA documents handy, but many applications are processed on the honor system.
Q: Can I switch back later?
Yes—future AEPs or another qualifying SEP allow changes. Remember, plan benefits and premiums reset every January 1.
Need Help After a Disaster?
Free guide: Download Medicare Made Easy (PDF).
Speak with a Licensed Agent: Call (866) 775-5409 (Mon-Fri).
Schedule online: 15-min phone appointment.
Peace of mind starts with knowing your rights—especially after the unexpected.
Sources & Further Reading
CMS “Questions & Answers for Beneficiaries Affected by Disasters” cms.govcms.gov
Healthline overview of FEMA disaster SEP timing healthline.com
(All data current as of June 10, 2025.)
