Extra Help SEP Question

[beachbum2012]

So if someone just has Extra Help but not a Medicare Savings Program, do they have a SEP anytime to switch MAPDs? I'm not talking about initially qualifying for Extra Help, or losing it, just having it in general throughout the year.

Medicare's website says that they can switch PDPs anytime throughout the year, but it doesn't say anything about MAPDs. In googling the info, different sites seem to say different things, and most of these sites aren't official anyway.

 

[TwoCents]

So if someone just has Extra Help but not a Medicare Savings Program, do they have a SEP anytime to switch MAPDs? I'm not talking about initially qualifying for Extra Help, or losing it, just having it in general throughout the year.

Medicare's website says that they can switch PDPs anytime throughout the year, but it doesn't say anything about MAPDs. In googling the info, different sites seem to say different things, and most of these sites aren't official anyway.

Yes, they have an SEP and can switch MAPDs. MAPD is a Part D plan.

From the CMS MA Chapter 2
12. SEP for Non-Dual Eligible Individuals with LIS and Individuals who Lose LIS -
Individuals who qualify for LIS (but who do not receive Medicaid benefits) have an SEP that begins the month the individual becomes eligible for LIS and exists as long as s/he is eligible for LIS. This SEP allows an individual to enroll in, or disenroll from, a Part D plan at any time. Because this coverage is effective the first of the month, the SEP would permit beneficiaries to change enrollment on a monthly basis, if they so choose. The effective date for all enrollments under this SEP will be prospective, effective the first day of the month following the organization’s receipt of the enrollment request.

 

[GoPokes]

Yes. The new plan will take effect the first of the following month. They can have full or partial extra help.