Reminder - SEP Available in 2026 for Incorrect Provider Directory Information on Plan Finder
As of October 2025, the Medicare.gov Plan Finder includes a feature that allows beneficiaries to search and filter plans based on health care providers . Avisery wants to remind professionals that a temporary 90-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP) will be available in 2026 for individuals who enrolled in a plan through the Plan Finder and later discover that the provider search function wrongly identified a provider as being in a plan's network.
Using the Provider Search Feature
The provider search feature on the Medicare Plan Finder currently allows users to search networks by individual providers using their first and last name only. Organizational providers are not included. Up to 5 providers can be added to the search, although filtering the plans by provider can only be done for one provider at a time.
An image of the new provider search tool.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) For Plan Finder Provider Search Errors
A temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is available in 2026 if the Medicare Plan Finder’s provider directory contained inaccurate information at the time a beneficiary enrolled in a plan.
Individuals approved for this SEP may choose a new Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or return to Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan. This SEP is available for up to 90 days after the plan’s start date and applies only to individuals who enrolled through the Medicare Plan Finder. Beneficiaries must contact 1-800-MEDICARE to request this SEP, so that a customer service representative can confirm the enrollment occurred directly through the Plan Finder.
Avisery also recommends that all plan enrollees keep a printout of their Plan Finder search results showing that their provider was listed as ‘covered’ under their selected plan. This documentation can help verify coverage or demonstrate potential Plan Finder errors.
This SEP is temporary and applies only to individuals who enroll in Medicare Advantage plans with effective dates from January 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026.
If you have questions or need help counselingolder adults and adults with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health benefits programs, reach out to Avisery's "Ask the Expert"service for professionals at
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