Special Enrollment: life events that let you sign up
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only sign up for or change an ACA plan if you have a qualifying life event. This opens a Special Enrollment Period, usually 60 days long.
Common qualifying life events
- Losing health coverage, such as job-based insurance, Medicaid, CHIP or coverage through a parent's plan when you turn 26
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county (if you had coverage before the move)
- Getting married
- Having a baby, adopting or placing a child in foster care
- Changes in income that affect what you qualify for
- Gaining citizenship or lawful presence
- Leaving incarceration
Losing coverage because you didn't pay your premium, or choosing to drop a plan, usually doesn't count.
How long you have
In most cases you have 60 days after the event to enroll. For some events, like losing coverage, you can also apply up to 60 days before. You may be asked to show proof, such as a letter from your employer or a lease.
Not sure if you qualify?
The rules have a lot of details, and acting quickly matters. Give us a call and a licensed agent will check in a few minutes.
Had a life change?
Call now and we'll check whether you can enroll today.