In our last article we talked about the ongoing Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and what it can mean for agents in early 2026.
Another, but more hidden, opportunity in Medicare exists with the Disaster Special Enrolment period, known as the DST. This provision in Medicare allows individuals affected by a major disaster or emergency to change their Medicare Advantage or Part D plans if they missed a valid enrollment period (like the Annual Enrollment Period) due to the incident.
This special Medicare disaster enrollment period is also called the FEMA-Declared Emergency/Disaster SEP because it is closely related to FEMA-declared disasters. Generally, but not always, the SEP starts the day of the incident and lasts four full calendar months.
Who Qualifies
To qualify one must reside in an area that FEMA has declared an emergency or a major disaster. Those seeking to enroll in, disenroll from, or switch Medicare or prescription drug plans, can do so once the requirement is met.
Also to qualify, the individual must have gone through another enrollment period at the time of the disaster but did not enroll in a plan or make a change to a plan.
Additionally, if an individual did not live in an affected disaster area, but someone who helps them enroll in Medicare did, then that can be a qualification.
Where are the Affected Areas?
Disasters continuously occur throughout the U.S., and agents should keep abreast of affected areas and when enrollment opportunities open and close.
At the time of this writing, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Florida, Montana, and New Mexico had large, open Disaster-Related Medicare SEPs.
In California alone, there were eight active disaster areas that qualify for special enrollment. Florida, related to Hurricane Debby, also has large areas affected.
Exact SEP eligibility and dates hinge on official disaster declarations (FEMA/State) and CMS guidance. For the most precise up-to-date eligibility by county and enrollment deadlines, check FEMA’s disaster designated areas list and Medicare.gov SEP resources. To get the latest updates, visit here.
Stay on Top of FEMA Disaster Declarations
While many agents will not be affected by DST Special Enrollments, it is something agents should be familiar with as things can change quickly. If a disaster does affect your area during a key enrollment period, it can interrupt business. The “extra time” allowed in the disaster provision can provide a path to get your clients the coverage they need.
We often think of disasters as hurricanes and flooding, but fire, high winds, and even drought can be cause for disaster declarations. When you start working with a potential client who needs coverage outside a traditional enrollment period, it is a good idea to check and see if the individual has been affected by a declared disaster.
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