Question 1

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

Accepted Answer

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside the annual Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for or change your ACA health plan due to a qualifying life event. Most SEPs give you 60 days from the event to enroll.

Question 2

What qualifies as a life event for ACA Special Enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Qualifying events include losing job-based coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting, moving to a new coverage area, losing Medicaid/CHIP eligibility, turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan, and gaining citizenship or lawful presence.

Question 3

When is ACA Open Enrollment?

Accepted Answer

The standard ACA Open Enrollment Period runs November 1 through January 15 for coverage starting January 1 or February 1. Some states have extended windows. If you miss Open Enrollment and have no SEP, you may need to wait until next year unless you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.

Do You Qualify for Special Enrollment?