Who qualifies
The federal rule, 42 CFR 422.62(b)(18), gives a special enrollment period to people affected by an emergency or major disaster declared by a federal, state or local government. You qualify if all of these are true:
- You lived in the declared area when the period began, or you rely on someone there to help make your health care decisions.
- You were eligible for another enrollment period during that time, such as Open Enrollment or your Initial Enrollment Period.
- You didn't make the change because of the disaster.
Because the rule includes state declarations, a Governor's state of emergency for a fire can count, not only a FEMA declaration.
What you can do with it
- Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
- Join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan
- With Original Medicare, sign up for Part B (or Part A if you pay a premium for it)
How long it lasts
The period starts on the earliest of the declaration date, the incident start date or the start date in the declaration. It ends two full calendar months after the incident ends. If a declaration has no end date, the incident is treated as ending one year after it started.
Recent FEMA wildfire declarations for Oregon:
| Declaration | Fire | Incident period |
|---|---|---|
| EM-3542 and DR-4562 | 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds | September 7 to November 3, 2020 |
| DR-4854 | 2024 wildfires in Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler counties | July 10 to August 23, 2024 |
Both of those periods have ended. Check FEMA's declarations page and CMS's current emergencies page for new ones.
How to use it
- Confirm a declaration covers your county. Look up FEMA's list or your county emergency management office.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE or the plan you want. Say you were affected by the wildfire, and give your county and the dates.
- Pick a plan that works where you'll live. If you moved, choose a plan that serves your new address. Compare plans for your ZIP code at PlanMatch, or request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
More in our wildfire special enrollment guide.
Related questions
What happens to my Medicare if I evacuate for a wildfire?
Care, drugs and equipment on the road.
Can I get an early prescription refill during a wildfire?
Oregon's emergency refill rule.
When can I switch Medicare plans in Oregon?
Every enrollment window.
Sources
- 42 CFR 422.62 — Election of coverage under an MA plan (Cornell LII)
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- FEMA — Declared disasters
- CMS — Current emergencies
More questions in this guide
- Can I get an early prescription refill during a wildfire?
- Does Medicare cover telehealth in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for an air purifier for wildfire smoke or a generator for my oxygen?
- What happens to my Medicare if I evacuate for a wildfire?
- What is a critical access hospital in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Medicare in Rural Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in the declared county?
You must have lived in the affected area when the period started, or rely on someone who lives there to help make your health care decisions. A move away later doesn't take the right away.
Does wildfire smoke alone qualify?
Only if a government emergency declaration covers your area. Smoke advisories by themselves don't create a special enrollment period.
Does it let me buy a Medigap policy without health questions?
No. The disaster period covers Medicare Advantage, Part D and Part B sign-up. Oregon's Medigap rights, like the birthday rule, are separate.
Do I need it during Open Enrollment?
No. From October 15 to December 7 anyone with Medicare can change plans, so you can use Open Enrollment instead.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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