Special Enrollment Period: When Can You Sign Up Outside Open Enrollment?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to enroll in ACA marketplace health insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment window. SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events and typically give you 60 days to select a new plan. Understanding which events qualify can prevent costly gaps in coverage.

Qualifying Life Events

• Loss of coverage: Job loss, aging off parent's plan, COBRA expiration, losing Medicaid
• Marriage or divorce
• Having or adopting a baby
• Moving to a new area (new zip code with different plan options)
• Changes in household size
• Becoming a U.S. citizen
• Income changes affecting Medicaid or marketplace eligibility
• Losing eligibility for employer coverage

How to Enroll During an SEP

1. Go to Healthcare.gov (or your state's exchange) within 60 days of your qualifying event
2. Create or log into your account
3. Report your life change and upload documentation if requested
4. Shop and select a plan
5. Coverage typically starts the 1st of the following month

If you've experienced a qualifying life event, Resilience Health Advisors can help you find coverage quickly. Contact us within your 60-day window.