Is there a way to get Medicare coverage outside the regular enrollment periods? Yes—and that's where a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) comes in. SEPs allow you to get covered if something happens or if you'd like to enroll in an MA plan outside the normal enrollment periods. Do you qualify for an SEP? Find out by answering these questions.

As 2023 gets underway, Medicare beneficiaries will have the opportunity to take advantage of new benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Passed in August of 2022, this landmark legislation makes significant changes to the Medicare program – lowering prescription drug costs, expanding benefits and making insulin more affordable. While many of the benefits of the IRA will roll out over the next several years, some went into effect on January 1, 2023.

We wanted to explain referrals and prior authorization – what they mean and how they apply to our Medicare Advantage plan members here in Monterey County.