What can be the proposed effective date for enrollment after losing coverage?

When an individual loses their health coverage, they may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare. This enrollment allows them to sign up for Medicare coverage without facing the usual penalties that might apply if they miss the general enrollment opportunity.

The proposed effective date for enrollment can be determined based on the month when the individual requests to enroll following the loss of coverage. Typically, if someone loses their coverage, they can request to enroll in Medicare up to three months after their coverage ends.

This means that even if the choice is made a few months after the loss of coverage, the effective date for Medicare benefits can be backdated to the month following the end of the previous coverage. Thus, offering a timeframe that aligns with up to three months after the request ensures that beneficiaries have adequate time to enroll and receive their benefits appropriately without undue delay.

This policy aims to support individuals transitioning between different health insurances, ensuring that there are no gaps in their healthcare coverage.