The 60-day rule. For most qualifying events you have 60 days to pick a plan. For losing coverage, you can apply up to 60 days before it ends, so there's no gap. You may be asked to provide documents proving the event.
Qualifying life events
Losing health coverage
- Losing job-based coverage (quitting, layoff, reduced hours, contract ending)
- Aging off a parent's plan at 26
- Losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
- Losing coverage through a spouse because of divorce or death
- An individual plan ending or being discontinued
Household changes
- Getting married
- Having a baby, adopting, or placing a child for foster care
- Divorce or legal separation, if you lose coverage
- A death in the household that changes eligibility
Moving
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county, or to the U.S.
- Moving to or from school, or a seasonal worker's job location
- Usually you must have had qualifying coverage for at least one day in the 60 days before the move
Other events
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawful presence
- Being released from incarceration
- Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe
- Changes in income that affect eligibility, in some situations
What doesn't count
- Voluntarily dropping your plan
- Losing coverage because you stopped paying premiums
- Losing a short-term plan or a health sharing arrangement, in most cases, since those aren't qualifying coverage
- Simply realizing you need insurance after you get sick
Never misstate an event or your income to get coverage. False information on a Marketplace application can carry penalties.
Employer plans have their own window
If you're getting coverage through a job, events like marriage, a birth or a spouse losing coverage generally give you at least 30 days (60 days in some cases) to make changes. Ask HR right away.
No qualifying event? Options until Open Enrollment
- Medicaid or CHIP, which accept applications year-round
- An employer plan if you start a job
- A short-term plan, understanding it isn't ACA coverage
- Private underwritten coverage in some states, available year-round for healthy applicants
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Special Enrollment Period?
Usually 60 days after the event. For loss of coverage, you can also apply up to 60 days before.
Does quitting my job count?
Yes, if you lose job-based coverage as a result.
Had a life change?
We'll confirm whether you qualify and help you get covered inside your window.
Get a QuoteGeneral information only, not legal advice. Special Enrollment rules and documentation requirements vary by marketplace and can change.