H.R. 2744 — Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025

This section establishes a special enrollment period (SEP) in Medicare Part B for individuals enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage (as defined in new SSA §1837(i)(5)(D), i.e., coverage beginning on or after January 1, 2026, under COBRA provisions, federal employee health benefits under 5 U.S.C. §8905a, or comparable state continuation laws), covering each month (or part thereof) of such enrollment plus the three months thereafter (one-time lifetime use); sets Part B coverage effective the first day of the month following SEP enrollment; excludes demonstrable COBRA enrollment months from late enrollment premium penalties; and directs COBRA plans (via amendments to ERISA §607, PHSA §2208, and IRC §4980B) to provide full benefits to eligible-but-not-enrolled Part B individuals as if they were ineligible for Part B (with no requirement to maintain coverage once Part B enrollment occurs). (As background, COBRA continuation coverage enables qualified beneficiaries—such as those who lose employer-sponsored coverage due to job loss, reduction in hours, or certain other events—to temporarily extend group health plan benefits for up to 18–36 months; Medicare Part B provides voluntary coverage for outpatient services primarily to individuals 65 or older or with certain disabilities.)