New to Health Insurance and Missed Open Enrollment? You Can Still Get Insured Fast.

Qualifying life events that open a 60-day SEP

• Losing job-based health coverage (you, your spouse, or a parent)
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby, adopting, or gaining a foster child
• Moving to a new ZIP code or state
• Aging off a parent's plan at 26
• Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
• Income changes that affect your subsidy eligibility
• Leaving incarceration
• Gaining or losing membership in a federally recognized tribe

When the clock starts

Most SEPs run for 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. Some (like loss of coverage) also give you a 60-day window BEFORE coverage ends — which is your chance to keep coverage with zero gap. Don't wait until day 59. Carriers need a few days to issue cards.

What you'll need to prove it

The marketplace may ask for documentation depending on the event:

• Job loss: termination letter or HR coverage-end notice
• Marriage: marriage certificate
• Birth/adoption: birth certificate or adoption decree
• Move: lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill at new address
• Aging off a plan: prior plan card + birth date proof

What if I don't have a qualifying event?

Two options. (1) Short-term medical plans available year-round — not ACA-compliant, doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, but better than nothing as a bridge. (2) Wait until November 1 for the next Open Enrollment. We'll set a reminder and have your options ready the day it opens.

Year-round enrollment if you're low-income

If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$22,590 for a single adult, ~$46,800 for a family of four), you can enroll in an ACA marketplace plan any time of year — no qualifying event required. Many people who qualify don't know this rule exists.