What it is: A case-by-case Special Enrollment Period for certain unusual situations Medicare recognizes as “exceptional.”

Who it’s for: People affected by special circumstances where standard enrollment rules don’t fit.

When it happens: It depends on the specific situation and the guidance Medicare applies.

What you can do:

• Make plan changes that Medicare allows under that specific exceptional SEP.

Big watch-out: This category is very situation-specific. If you think you qualify, keep records (notices, dates, names, reference numbers) and verify the rules for your exact scenario before assuming you can change plans.