Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025, establishes a new special enrollment period (SEP) for Medicare Part B, specifically designed for individuals transitioning from COBRA continuation coverage. This SEP is available to those enrolled in COBRA when they first become eligible for Part B, or who were previously eligible and then enrolled in COBRA, encompassing the months of COBRA coverage plus the three subsequent months, though it can only be used once per lifetime. A crucial aspect of the bill is the protection against late enrollment penalties ; months an individual was covered by COBRA will not be counted towards increased Part B premiums. The legislation also significantly addresses coordination of benefits by amending ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code to prevent COBRA plans from reducing or terminating benefits for individuals solely because they are eligible for, but not yet enrolled in, Medicare Part B. These amendments ensure COBRA benefits are provided as if the individual were not eligible for Part B, thereby preventing penalties for delaying Part B enrollment while covered by COBRA. However, the bill clarifies it does not mandate COBRA coverage for those already enrolled in Part B. Lastly, it mandates that the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with HHS, update COBRA notifications by January 1, 2026, to thoroughly explain Medicare secondary payer rules concerning COBRA.