How to Enroll in Health Insurance Outside the Open Enrollment Period

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made health insurance more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans. However, there are still some misconceptions about how to enroll in health insurance under the ACA.

One common misconception is that you can only enroll in health insurance during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th each year.

This is not true. You can actually enroll in health insurance outside the open enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:

– Losing your job
– Getting married
– Having a baby
– Moving to a new state

If you experience a qualifying life event, you have 60 days to enroll in health insurance.
You can enroll in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly through an insurance company. If you enroll through the Marketplace, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for your health insurance premiums.

What is a Qualifying Life Event?

A qualifying life event is an event that makes you eligible to enroll in health insurance outside the open enrollment period. Qualifying life events include:

– Losing health insurance coverage
– Getting married
– Having a baby
– Adopting a child
– Moving to a new state
– Losing your job
– Getting a new job
– Becoming a U.S. citizen
– Getting out of jail
– Being released from active military duty

If you experience a qualifying life event, you have 60 days to enroll in health insurance.

Important Notes:

It’s important to note that not all life events are qualifying life events. For example, getting a raise or changing jobs does not qualify you to enroll in health insurance outside the open enrollment period.

If you miss the 60-day enrollment period, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in health insurance.

If you have any questions about qualifying life events or enrolling in health insurance, please contact a licensed insurance agent. They can help you determine if you qualify for a qualifying life event and assist you with the enrollment process.