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Special Enrollment Period

Enrolling for the first time or when your life changes

The Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is the time when you can enroll in a plan or make a change to your existing coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allows 5-Star plans to offer an additional SEP. Since CMS rated all of our 2023 Medicare Advantage plans 5-Stars, you have the additional opportunity to switch to a BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plan from now until November 30, 2023. You can also switch from one BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plan to another.

If you are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time:

We can help you determine if you are eligible. Call our Medicare Sales team at (401) 351-2583 or 1-800-505-2583 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 1 - March 31.) You can use our automated answering system outside of these hours.

If you have a Medicare plan and need to make a change:

These are some situations when you may be able to make changes during the SEP:

  • You want to use your 5-Star SEP to make a change
  • You move outside our service area (Rhode Island)
  • You’re getting “Extra Help” with your prescription drug costs
  • You move into or out of a skilled nursing facility or long-term care hospital
  • You lose your current coverage

To find specific SEP dates that apply to your situation, if you have a different situation than those noted above, or if you have any other questions, just call our Medicare Sales team at (401) 351-2583 or 1-800-505-2583 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 1 - March 31.) You can use our automated answering system outside of these hours.