Can Moving Across Town Help You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

If you missed the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for health insurance, you may be wondering if there’s any way to get coverage before the next OEP. One option you may have considered is using a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) to trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

One of the QLEs listed on the HealthCare.gov website is moving to a new zip code. However, it’s important to understand that this QLE only applies if you are already enrolled in a Marketplace plan.

If you are not currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan, moving to a new zip code will not qualify you for a SEP. You will need to wait until the next OEP to enroll in coverage.

Even if you are already enrolled in a Marketplace plan, moving to a new zip code may not qualify you for a SEP. The QLE for moving applies only if your move causes you to lose coverage in your current plan.

What is considered a QLE?

A Qualifying Life Event (QLE) is an event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of the Open Enrollment Period. During an SEP, you can enroll in or change your health insurance plan.

Some common QLEs include:

Loss of health insurance
Birth of a child
Adoption of a child
Marriage
Divorce
Death of a family member
Change in income
Moving to a new zip code

If you experience a QLE, you have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll in a new health insurance plan.

You May Have Other Options to Get Coverage

If moving to a new zip code does not qualify you for a SEP, you may have other options to get coverage.

Employer-sponsored health insurance: If you are employed, you may be able to get health insurance through your employer.
Medicaid: Medicaid is a government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families.
CHIP: CHIP is a government health insurance program for children.
Private health insurance: You can purchase health insurance from a private insurance company.

Helpful Links

[HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/)
[Medicaid](https://www.medicaid.gov/)
[CHIP](https://www.chip.gov/)

If you have any questions about your health insurance options, you should contact a licensed insurance agent or broker. They can help you compare plans and find the best coverage for your needs.