Disaster Special Election Periods (DST-SEPs)

DST-SEPs in California

For California Wildfire Prevention SEP, there was an amendment (N3-8-25) to this SEP on 12/31/25 by Governor Newsom.
The new end date is 02/28/27. This is a statewide SEP.

Agents are encouraged to use caution to distinguish between the guidance in effect for each disaster. *Always verify details as events are continuously updated.

IMPORTANT: DST SEPs can only be used if the beneficiary is eligible for another election period at the time of the DST eligibility period and has not already made an election during that other valid election period due to the disaster or other emergency.

Please note: A disaster SEP application is only valid while the SEP declaration is in effect. Any SEP applications submitted outside of that SEP’s declaration date will be rejected.

Important notices

IMPORTANT – Please be aware that a DST SEP:

  • does not mean that active marketing can occur.
  • is only available for individuals that reside or resided at the start of the SEP eligibility period where a federal, state, or local government entity declared a disaster or other emergency.
  • can only be used if the individual was eligible for another election period at the time of the DST eligibility period and did not make an election during that other valid election period due to the disaster or other emergency.
  • does not mean that carriers initiated waiving of authorization or referral requirements.
  • does not extend waiving of prior authorizations, referrals, etc.

SEP for individuals affected by a government-entity declared disaster or other emergency

42 CFR §§ 422.62(b)(18) and 423.38(c)(23)

Please review this link1 to refer to the guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on DST-SEPs.