Hurricane and disaster Special Enrollment Periods in Hawaii
When a federal disaster is declared in Hawaii, Medicare beneficiaries in affected areas often gain access to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that lets them change Medicare plans outside of normal enrollment windows.
How disaster SEPs work for Medicare
The federal disaster SEP applies to Medicare beneficiaries who:
- Live (or recently lived) in an area covered by a FEMA-declared major disaster, emergency, or HHS Secretary public health emergency, OR
- Don't live in the affected area, but rely on help from someone who does (such as a family caregiver), AND
- Were unable to make a normal election during a valid election period because of the disaster
The SEP typically begins on the date of the disaster declaration and ends two full calendar months after the end of the incident period.
The 2023 Lahaina wildfires
The August 2023 Lahaina wildfires triggered a federal disaster declaration that created an extended SEP for affected Maui Medicare beneficiaries. CMS has extended these rights multiple times as recovery has continued. If you were a Medicare beneficiary in the affected Maui zip codes, call 1-800-MEDICARE or Sage PLUS at 1-888-875-9229 to check current eligibility.
Recent Hawaii disaster declarations
- 2023 Maui wildfires — Lahaina, Kula, surrounding areas; ongoing extended SEPs
- Kilauea volcanic eruptions — Hawaii Island, particularly 2018 Lower Puna events
- Hurricane Lane (2018) — multiple islands
- Kauai severe flooding (2018) — north shore
- COVID-19 public health emergency (2020-2023) — nationwide
What you can do during a disaster SEP
- Enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D for the first time
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
- Switch between Part D plans
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
- Add or drop a Part D plan
How to check if you have an active disaster SEP
- Visit fema.gov/disasters to confirm the declaration covers your county
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain your situation
- Call Sage PLUS Hawaii at 1-888-875-9229 for free counseling
If you lost prescriptions, records, or coverage
- Lost medications: Call your pharmacy. CMS directs Part D plans to facilitate emergency refills during declared disasters; refill-too-soon limits are usually waived.
- Lost Medicare card: Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Med-QUEST: 1-877-628-5076.
- Out-of-network emergency care during evacuation: Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover emergency care at any participating Medicare provider regardless of network.
Disaster preparedness for Hawaii kupuna
The Hawaii Executive Office on Aging and county aging offices coordinate disaster preparedness for older adults — including registries for high-need kupuna who may need transportation or medical assistance during evacuations. Contact your county Office on Aging to register and get current evacuation shelter information.
Frequently asked questions
Typically from the start of the incident period through two full calendar months after the end of the declared incident period. CMS frequently extends SEPs when recovery is prolonged, as it has multiple times for Maui.
You either need to live in the affected area, or rely on someone (like a caregiver) who does. Both groups can use the SEP if they couldn't make a Medicare election during a normal window because of the disaster.
Not generally. Medigap is regulated by states; federal disaster SEPs cover Medicare Advantage and Part D primarily. Hawaii doesn't have a state-level Medigap disaster right.
Yes. CMS directs Part D plans to facilitate emergency refills during declared disasters, including out-of-network. Call your Part D plan's pharmacy line.