We have received guidance from CMS regarding use of SEP-DST for beneficiaries impacted by COVID. Specifically, CMS has advised all carriers must discontinue use of the 2020 national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency as a qualifying disaster. Instead, carriers are instructed to use state declarations related to COVID to determine if SEP-DST may be used for purposes of enrollment.
In response, carriers will be conducting an analysis of all states, and upon conclusion, will release guidance regarding the geographic locations in which SEP-DST may be used to address COVID impacts. In the interim, we ask that all agents discontinue use of SEP-DST for COVID. We will continue to monitor SEP-DST use and advise of any concerns related to volumes or possible misuse.
