CMS extends Medicare, federal exchange enrollment for hurricane victims

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday announced additional special enrollment periods for Medicare and the federally-facilitated health insurance exchange for eligible individuals affected by the 2017 hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Medicare SEP, available through March 31 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, also is available to eligible individuals affected by the California wildfires. The federal exchange SEP is available through March by contacting the Exchange Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. “These special enrollment periods provide the necessary flexibility for our beneficiaries to obtain and maintain coverage while dealing with the lingering aftermath of the storms,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “We will continue to monitor the circumstances in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and will take additional action as necessary.”