Under the CMS proposal, Medicare coverage would begin the month after sign-up for those enrolling in the last three months of their initial enrollment period or in the general enrollment period. Under current rules, those who enroll for coverage during the last three months of their initial eligibility period begin coverage two or three months after they sign up. Those who sign up in the Jan. 1-March 31 general enrollment period begin coverage July 1.
The association said in a June 27 letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure the change would simplify the enrollment process and minimize gaps in coverage.
The organization is supporting two other proposed changes. One allows some people who miss a Medicare enrollment period a chance to enroll without having to wait for a general enrollment or pay a late enrollment penalty. The other clarifies and streamlines regulations related to people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
“These administrative changes could have a significant, positive impact on individuals’ access to coverage and care,” the group said in the letter.
