Cigna Clarification on COVID-19 SEP and SEP lengths

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently clarified that the COVID-19 SEP expired on June 30, 2020 and has not been renewed.

Individuals that have been impacted by COVID-19 and were unable to change plans while they were eligible for an election period, have access to the SEP for Exceptional Circumstances on a case by case basis. These individuals should call 1-800-MEDICARE to make a request.

‍

CMS also reiterated that the length of a disaster or emergency SEP is two (2) full calendar months following the incident period end date in a declaration. Also any SEPs declared before January 1, 2021 require a new disaster or emergency declaration on or after January 1, 2021 to be a valid SEP.