AEP is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any more opportunities for you to help consumers navigate their Medicare journey.
Here’s a quick breakdown of 3 important SEPs you need to be aware of for 2026:
- Non-Renewing Plan (SAR) – If a consumer loses their plan due to it no longer being made available by the carrier, then they may select a new plan between 12/8 and 2/28. When a selection is made, the plan will take effect on the first of the following month. This is a one-time SEP.
- CMS/State Auto-Enrollment – When a consumer is enrolled into a plan by the state or CMS, they may make a new plan selection starting the day the auto-enrolled policy takes effect up to 3 months after it takes effect. Collect the notice of auto-enrollment from the consumer and be prepared to present it if asked by the carrier. This is a one-time SEP.
- Consumers who are enrolled into a plan by CMS for 1.1.26 effective date may enroll in a new plan for a 2.1.26, 3.1.26 and 4.1.26 plan.
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP) – Consumers who have an MA/MAPD effective 1.1.26 may enroll in a new MA/MAPD effective 2.1.26, 3.1.26 or 4.1.26. They may also drop their MA/MAPD, go back to original Medicare and enroll in a PDP.
- If a consumer does not have a MA/MAPD plan in place for 1.1.26 then they are not eligible to use the OEP SEP.
It is also important to note that all SEPs are individual and not tied to one another, this means that if someone uses their non-renewing SEP then they still have the others to use if applicable, same logic goes if a consumer uses any other SEP first!
For any additional questions regarding SEPs, please email nf_sales@neishloss.com.
