FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster response and providing assistance during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING FEMA DISASTER DECLARATIONS FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE SEP
Staying updated on disaster declarations issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is essential for Medicare Advantage agents and beneficiaries. Certain declared emergencies may trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing eligible individuals to enroll in or change plans outside the standard enrollment windows.
However, not every FEMA declaration automatically results in an SEP. Carriers may apply their own guidelines regarding whether they recognize a specific disaster event for SEP eligibility. For this reason, agents must always verify directly with the carrier to confirm acceptance of the declared event.
Official FEMA disaster declarations can be reviewed at:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
Remaining informed ensures accurate guidance and timely support for beneficiaries affected by emergencies.
