Big changes in your life? Don’t forget health insurance coverage!

Moving? Changing jobs? Having a baby?

Did you know that a big change in your life could come with a big benefit when it comes to health insurance? When you experience a “qualifying life event,” you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period in which you can purchase health insurance coverage outside the official open enrollment period. It’s a valuable window of opportunity to get covered for the first time or change plans.

Are you having a baby? Did you turn 26 and are no longer eligible to be covered under your parent’s plan? These are just some of the qualifying events that can make you eligible to purchase health coverage outside of open enrollment. But you need to act fast. You’ll generally have only 60 days from the qualifying life event to obtain coverage or change plans.

You also may be able to purchase insurance coverage outside of the open enrollment period if your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage becomes unaffordable. Other ‘qualifying life events’ include gaining citizenship or legal immigration status or being released from jail or prison.

Questions about Special Enrollment periods? We’re here to help!