How to Get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment

If you need health insurance but missed the open enrollment period, don’t worry. There are still ways to get covered.

One option is to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). SEPs are available to people who have experienced certain life events, such as:

Losing job-based health insurance
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby
Moving to a new state

If you qualify for an SEP, you can enroll in a health plan outside of the open enrollment period.

Another option is to purchase a short-term health insurance plan. Short-term health insurance plans are not as comprehensive as traditional health insurance plans, but they can provide you with some coverage in the event of an accident or illness.

Finally, you can also choose to pay for health care out of pocket. However, this can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can enroll in or change your health insurance plan. You may qualify for an SEP if you have experienced a qualifying life event, such as:

Losing job-based health insurance
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby
Moving to a new state

If you qualify for an SEP, you can enroll in a health plan outside of the open enrollment period. You have 60 days from the date of your qualifying event to enroll in a new plan.

Qualifying Events for an SEP

The following events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:

Loss of employer-sponsored health insurance
Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Death of a family member
Moving to a new state
Becoming a US citizen

If you have experienced one of these events, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. You can enroll in a health plan outside of the open enrollment period.

How to Enroll in a Health Plan During an SEP

To enroll in a health plan during an SEP, you can:

Visit HealthCare.gov
Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1.800.318.2596
Contact a licensed health insurance agent or broker

You will need to provide documentation of your qualifying event when you enroll.

What if I Don’t Qualify for an SEP?

If you don’t qualify for an SEP, you can still get health insurance. You can purchase a short-term health insurance plan or pay for health care out of pocket. However, these options are not as comprehensive as traditional health insurance plans.

It’s important to weigh your options carefully and choose the best option for your needs.