an sep is a period outside of the icep, aep, or ma oep when beneficiaries can enroll based solely on life events that qualify for an sep period.

An SEP (Special Enrollment Period) is a period outside of the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) during which beneficiaries can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance plans based solely on qualifying life events. These events include things like losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or other significant life changes. Usually, individuals have 60 days before or after the qualifying life event to enroll during the SEP. SEPs allow enrollment outside the standard enrollment windows, triggered only by these life events. This period specifically excludes the IEP, AEP, and MA OEP and is solely dependent on having a life event that qualifies for an SEP. For example, if someone loses their health coverage unexpectedly or moves to a new area, they may qualify for an SEP to enroll in a new plan. These provisions help ensure coverage continuity when unexpected or life-changing events occur.