What the rule says
Federal rules at 42 CFR 422.62(b)(18) (Medicare Advantage) and 42 CFR 423.38(c)(23) (Part D) create this special enrollment period. CMS's enrollment guidance for 2027 says you qualify if all three are true:
- You live in an area where a federal, state or local government declared an emergency or major disaster (or lived there when the period began), or you rely on someone who lives there to help you make health care decisions.
- You were eligible for another enrollment period at the time, such as Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).
- You didn't make a change in that period because of the disaster.
With it you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
When it starts and ends
The period starts on the earliest of the declaration date or the incident start date. It ends two full calendar months after the end date of the incident in the declaration. If no end date is ever set, it can last up to 14 full calendar months.
| Storm | FEMA declaration | Special enrollment period |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Ian | DR-4673-FL | Sept. 23, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 (over) |
| Hurricane Helene | DR-4828-FL | Sept. 23 – Dec. 31, 2024 (over) |
| Hurricane Milton | DR-4834-FL | Oct. 5, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 (over) |
| Hurricane Isaias | DR-4955-FL | Oct. 6 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open now) |
These dates are based on FEMA's incident periods. A state or county declaration with different dates can change a window, so confirm with 1-800-MEDICARE.
Hurricane Isaias in 2026
FEMA declared a major disaster for Hurricane Isaias on October 27, 2026 (DR-4955-FL), for an incident period of October 6 to 12. Individual Assistance went to Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties, and an emergency declaration (EM-3655) covered more of the Panhandle and Big Bend. The special enrollment period overlaps this year's Open Enrollment, so if the storm and its aftermath kept you from choosing a 2027 plan by December 7, you may still be able to make that change through December 31, 2026.
How to use it
- Decide what you would have done. Compare plans for your ZIP code; you can see plans on PlanMatch or request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Say the hurricane kept you from making the change during the other enrollment period.
Related questions
Can I get prescriptions refilled early before a hurricane?
Florida's refill law and Medicare drug plans.
Does Medicare replace equipment lost in a hurricane?
Oxygen, wheelchairs and supplies.
What do I do about my medicines if I evacuate?
Pharmacies, receipts and longer supplies.
Sources
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(b)(18), special enrollment period for an emergency or major disaster
- eCFR — 42 CFR 423.38(c)(23), Part D special enrollment period
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance, contract year 2027 (§ 30.6.25)
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- FEMA — DR-4955-FL, Hurricane Isaias
- FEMA — DR-4834-FL, Hurricane Milton
- FEMA — DR-4828-FL, Hurricane Helene
- FEMA — DR-4673-FL, Hurricane Ian
More questions in this guide
- What should dialysis patients on Medicare do during a Florida hurricane?
- Can I get my prescriptions refilled early before a hurricane in Florida?
- What is Florida's special needs registry and should people on Medicare sign up?
- What do I do about my Medicare prescriptions if I have to evacuate for a hurricane?
- Does Medicare replace oxygen and medical equipment lost in a hurricane?
Part of the guide: Hurricanes and Your Medicare in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I use a disaster special enrollment period?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) and explain that the hurricane kept you from making a change. Medicare.gov says that's the way to make enrollment changes under this period.
Does everyone in a hurricane area get to change plans?
No. You must have been eligible for another enrollment period during the disaster, such as Open Enrollment, and not have made a change in it because of the disaster. It replaces a missed chance; it isn't an extra open season.
Can a hurricane help me sign up for Part B late?
Medicare.gov says that if a declared disaster kept you from signing up during another enrollment period, you might have a special enrollment period to sign up for Part B or premium Part A. Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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