What it is: A Special Enrollment Period that can open when you lose other health or drug coverage that was helping cover you (like employer or union coverage).

Who it’s for: People who are losing other coverage and need to replace it with Medicare Advantage and/or Part D.

When it happens: Varies based on the type of coverage you’re losing and the date it ends.

What you can do:

• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and/or a Part D drug plan outside the normal windows (if eligible under the SEP).

• Prevent gaps in coverage by enrolling promptly.

Big watch-out: You may need documentation of the loss of coverage, and the SEP window can be short. If prescription coverage is ending, act quickly—because gaps can be expensive and may affect penalties if coverage isn’t considered creditable.