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 pandemic 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.

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.

How you can assist those impacted by COVID-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.

Questions? 

Thanks for your attention and cooperation with this updated guidance. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Aetna Medicare Broker Manager.