What Is a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you sign up for Medicare Part B without a penalty after you lose employer group health coverage or stop working, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the SEP last?
- The SEP lasts 8 months, starting the month after your employment ends or your employer coverage ends, whichever happens first.
- Does COBRA extend my SEP?
- No. COBRA does not count as employer coverage for SEP purposes. Your SEP clock starts when your active employment or employer group coverage ends, not when COBRA ends.
- Can I get a SEP for Part D too?
- Yes. When you lose creditable drug coverage, you typically get a 63-day window to enroll in a Part D plan.