Normally if you miss enrollment for Medicare you have to wait until the following year. However, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, people in a federal disaster area can get more time.
"Typically, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan only during the annual enrollment period from October 15 through December 7 of each year. There are exceptions that may allow you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan outside of this period," the CMS.gov website explains,
It lists the limited exceptions, including those impacted by hurricanes or other disasters.
"I was affected by an emergency or major disaster (as declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)or by a Federal, state or local government entity... I was unable to make my enrollment request because of the disaster."
Medicare Advantage organizations like Peoples Health are offering to help individuals determine if they are eligible.
The organization's website says that the Medicare Special Enrollment Period began on Oct. 26, 2020, and is now available through Feb. 28, 2021 for those who qualify.
Peoples Health says, "Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana may be eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a weather-related emergency or major disaster in Louisiana and enacted a Special Election Period."
At Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards' request President Donald Trump approved multiple federal disaster declarations in Louisiana due to Hurricane Zeta, Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Laura during 2020.
