Can You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? Lost Job or Pregnant? ACA can help.

If you have recently lost your job, you may be wondering if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). An SEP is a time outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can enroll in health insurance. You may qualify for an SEP if you have experienced a qualifying life event, such as losing your job, getting married, or having a baby.

Losing Your Job

If you lose your job, you may be eligible for an SEP if you had employer-sponsored health insurance. You have 60 days from the date you lose your coverage to enroll in a new health plan.

Having a Baby

If you are pregnant, you may be eligible for an SEP if you do not have health insurance. You have 60 days from the date your baby is born to enroll in a new health plan.

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 health insurance. You may qualify for an SEP if you have experienced a qualifying life event, such as losing your job, getting married, or having a baby.

How to Enroll During an SEP

To enroll in health insurance during an SEP, you can contact a health insurance agent or visit Healthcare.gov. You will need to provide documentation of your qualifying life event.

What are the Benefits of Enrolling During an SEP?

Enrolling during an SEP can help you avoid going without health insurance. Health insurance can help you pay for medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.

What are the Consequences of Not Enrolling During an SEP?

If you do not enroll in health insurance during an SEP, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll. This could mean going without health insurance for several months.

If you are pregnant or have recently lost your job, you may qualify for an SEP. Enrolling during an SEP can help you avoid going without health insurance.

Here are some additional tips for enrolling in health insurance during an SEP:

Contact a health insurance agent or visit Healthcare.gov as soon as possible.
Provide documentation of your qualifying life event.
Compare plans and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Enroll in a plan before the end of your SEP.