As Medicare Advantage directory data are incorporated into the Medicare plan finder, CMS is launching a special election period for beneficiaries to leave their current plan if incorrect information is present, a Sept. 12 CMS memo said.
This window applies to those depending on the directory information who learn within three months that their preferred provider is out of network. Individuals who made this kind of election for 2026 will have a three-month period to make a plan enrollment change.
While provider directory information is added to the Medicare plan finder, CMS expects some inaccuracies, especially during the first year of implementation. So far, this special election period only applies to people with MA enrollments from Jan. 1 to Dec. 1 of next year.
