North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Medicare beneficiaries impacted by the Moore County power outage have been granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for 2023 changes in their Medicare plans.
The 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment Period ran from Oct. 15–Dec. 7, with coverage to take effect Jan. 1, 2023. This extended period gives affected beneficiaries two full calendar months to make changes following today’s announcement ending the emergency. Medicare beneficiaries that were impacted by the mass power outage can enroll in or make changes to their Medicare health or prescription drug plan through Feb. 8, 2023.
The SEP is in effect for beneficiaries who reside or resided in Moore County on Dec. 4, 2022. In addition, the SEP is available to those individuals who do not live in Moore County, North Carolina but rely on help making healthcare decisions from someone who resides in Moore County.
The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) can assist affected beneficiaries with plan reviews and comparisons. However, to take advantage of this SEP, beneficiaries will need to contact 1-800-MEDICARE, 1-800-633-4227, and request the SEP due to a disaster.
For more information about SHIIP, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com.
About SHIIP
SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance questions. We also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through our N.C. Senior Medicare Patrol program.
SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents, and they do not sell, endorse or oppose any product, plan or company. If you have questions about your specific plan, we encourage you to contact your insurance agent or the insurance company.