Which statement is true about Special Election Periods triggered by qualifying life events?

Which statement is true about Special Election Periods triggered by qualifying life events?

• A. They apply only to plan disenrollment.
• B. They only apply if you move to a different state.
• C. They allow plan changes outside standard enrollment windows when qualifying life events occur.
• D. They require prior approval from CMS.

Answer: (C)

Special Election Periods open a window for enrollment and plan changes outside the regular enrollment times whenever a qualifying life event occurs. The point is to adjust coverage to changes in your situation, not just to remove yourself from a plan. Because of a qualifying life event, you can enroll in a different Medicare plan or switch plans within the SEP window, even though it isn’t the standard enrollment period. These periods do not require prior approval from CMS—the SEP is triggered by the event and the beneficiary can act within the specified timeframe. While moving to a new state can trigger an SEP, many other life events can as well, so the ability to change plans during the SEP is broader than simply relocating.

Special Election Periods open a window for enrollment and plan changes outside the regular enrollment times whenever a qualifying life event occurs. The point is to adjust coverage to changes in your situation, not just to remove yourself from a plan. Because of a qualifying life event, you can enroll in a different Medicare plan or switch plans within the SEP window, even though it isn’t the standard enrollment period. These periods do not require prior approval from CMS—the SEP is triggered by the event and the beneficiary can act within the specified timeframe. While moving to a new state can trigger an SEP, many other life events can as well, so the ability to change plans during the SEP is broader than simply relocating.