ACA’s Special Enrollment Period: Everything You Need to Know

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is the law that provides health insurance to millions of Americans. The ACA has open enrollment periods every year when people can sign up for health insurance. However, there are also special enrollment periods available for people who experience certain life events, such as losing a job or getting married.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can enroll in an ACA health plan due to qualifying life events. These are changes in your circumstances that make you eligible for special enrollment.

Qualifying Life Events

There are several qualifying life events that make a person eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, including:

Losing health insurance: The most common qualifying life event is losing health insurance. This can happen if you lose your job, your employer stops offering health insurance, or you age off your parent’s health insurance.
Moving: Moving to a new state or county can also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
Getting married: Getting married can also trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
Having a baby: Having a baby can also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
Adopting a child: Adopting a child can also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

How to Enroll During a Special Enrollment Period

If you experience a qualifying life event, you have 60 days to enroll in a health plan. You can enroll online at HealthCare.gov or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

What if I Miss the Special Enrollment Period?

If you miss the Special Enrollment Period, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll in a health plan. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you can prove that you were unable to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be able to enroll in a health plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period.

Conclusion

The ACA’s Special Enrollment Period is a valuable opportunity for people who experience certain life events to get health insurance. If you experience a qualifying life event, be sure to enroll in a health plan within 60 days. If you miss the Special Enrollment Period, you may still be able to enroll in a health plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you can prove that you were unable to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period due to circumstances beyond your control.

For More Information

If you have any questions about the ACA’s Special Enrollment Period, please visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. You can also get help finding a health plan by contacting a licensed health insurance agent or broker.