SEP for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Individuals who do not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible because they were incarcerated may enroll using this SEP.

If a person is eligible because they are not enrolled in Medicare due to being incarcerated, they can sign up anytime within the first 12 months after their release from incarceration.

This SEP begins the day an individual is released from the custody of penal authorities and ends the last day of the 12 th month after that release.

Individuals have the option to select a retroactive effective date (not to begin prior to their release date and not to exceed 6 months). If individuals choose this retroactive option, they will be responsible for paying Medicare premiums back to the date of coverage.

Medicare benefits will be effective the first day of the month following enrollment, or up to 6 months retroactive, if the beneficiary, chooses retroactive coverage.

For additional information please visit https://www.cms.gov/training-education/look-up-topics/special-populations/incarcerated-medicare-beneficiaries .