What is SEP?

Written By Ryan George

TL:DR (AKA Too Long, Didn’t Read. As the kids say!)

  • SEP, aka, Special Enrollment Period

  • A time when you can change your Medicare plan outside of AEP or OEP

  • Multiple ways an SEP can happen

This is pretty simple and straightforward. SEP, or Special Enrollment Period, is a time when someone is able to get into a new Medicare plan, or change theirs, outside of AEP, OEP or IEP (I’m certain no one remembers those acronyms, Annual Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment Period, Initial Enrollment Period). These can include, but are not limited to: employer coverage ends, union coverage ends, moving states or to an assisted living facility, COBRA ends, change in Medicaid, etc…

You get the point. Typically you get 30-90 days to make a switch, depending on the situation. When you have an SEP you can enroll in an Advantage plan, change your Advantage plan, drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, or enroll/change a Part D plan. 

If you even remotely think you qualify for an SEP, reach out to a local brokerage for confirmation, so that way if you do, you don’t miss your window. 

Ryan George
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