Aetna Update: CMS Memo Clarifies Disaster SEP

Update: CMS memo clarifies that the COVID-19 pandemic does not qualify for the disaster SEP 

On June 22, 2022, CMS issued a memo titled “Clarification of the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Government Entity-Declared Disaster or Other Emergency.” The memo clarified that the COVID-19 pande mic does not currently qualify for the SEP for Government Entity-Declared Disaster or Other Emergency (disaster SEP);however, it does qualify for the Exceptional Circumstances SEP.

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What you need to know:

• As a result of this guidance, do not submit enrollments for clients impacted by COVID-19 using the disaster SEP.
• Going forward, any new enrollments submitted for this reason will be declined.

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How you can assist those impacted byCOVID-19 

Individuals impacted by COVID-19 — who were unable to change plans while they were eligible for an election period — currently have access, on a case-by-case basis, to the SEP for Exceptional Circumstances. Sales agents/brokers are to advise these beneficiaries to contact 1-800-MEDICARE to request an Exceptional Circumstances SEP from CMS.