Enrollment extended for Medicare beneficiaries

Submitted

BALTIMORE, MD -- The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services understands that many Medicare beneficiaries have been affected by the Sevier County wildfire and Tennessee tornado outbreak, and it wants to ensure that all beneficiaries are able to compare their health care options and make enrollment choices for 2017.

Individuals affected by these events who are unable to make a health or drug plan selection by Dec. 7 can still enroll in Medicare health and prescription drug coverage for 2017 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Representatives at 1-800 MEDICARE have information available to help beneficiaries request an enrollment even after Dec. 7.

Affected individuals do not have to show proof that they live in an area affected by the Sevier County wildfire and Tennessee tornado outbreak. The opportunity to enroll in a plan for Jan. 1, 2017 after Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 7 applies to all individuals who were affected by these events, including those individuals who don't live in the affected areas but rely on help making health care decisions from friends or family members who do live in the affected areas.

For more information, contact the CMS Media Relations Group at: press@cms.hhs.gov