Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025

This bill makes it easier for people on COBRA to move onto Medicare Part B without gaps or penalties. If you have COBRA when you first qualify for Medicare—or you started COBRA after already qualifying—you get a special time to sign up for Part B. This window lasts for every month you have COBRA and for three months after it ends. You can use this special window once in your life.

If you enroll during this window, your Part B coverage starts the first day of the next month, and your premium will not increase because you used this window. While you are eligible for but not enrolled in Part B, your COBRA plan cannot cut or reduce benefits just because you’re eligible for Medicare; if you do enroll in Part B, COBRA may end or reduce benefits. Also, COBRA notices must be updated to explain how Medicare’s coordination rules work.

Key points

• Who is affected: People on COBRA (including similar federal or state continuation coverage) whose continuation coverage begins on or after January 1, 2026.
• What changes: A one-time special Part B enrollment window during COBRA and for three months after; coverage starts the next month; no premium increase for using this window; COBRA cannot reduce benefits just because you’re eligible for Medicare unless you actually enroll in Part B.
• When: Applies to continuation coverage beginning on or after January 1, 2026; COBRA notices must be updated by January 1, 2026.