If you missed our 2025 Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment webinar a video replay is…
How to Get Health Coverage Outside of the Open Enrollment Period
Life happens, and when it does, it is very likely that your health insurance coverage may need to change. When you encounter a qualifying life event that impacts your insurance needs, it is important to know that you can take advantage of a special enrollment period – since most people are unaware that they may enroll outside of open enrollment.
This guide is created to help you understand everything you need to know about qualifying life events and the special enrollment period. You will learn whether or not you qualify and what documents you will need prior to enrolling and shopping for coverage. Let’s Begin!
#1 LOSS OF COVERAGE
DUE TO:
– Termination of group coverage
– Reduction of hours to part-time status
– Loss of employer contribution
– Cobra ending
REQUIRED PROOF: Letter from employer, Certificate of credible coverage
#2 MARITAL STATUS CHANGE
DUE TO:
– Marriage
– Divorce
– Legal separation
REQUIRED PROOF: Marriage Certificate or divorce/separation court documents, Certificate of credible coverage
#3 DEPENDENT STATUS CHANGE
DUE TO:
– Birth of a child
– Adoption
– Aged out of dependent status
REQUIRED PROOF: Child’s DOB, Legal adoption paperwork, Certificate of credible coverage
#4 MOVING
Permanently move to another state and/or no longer live in the existing/prior plan’s service area.
REQUIRED PROOF: New Mortgage Bill/Renter’s Agreement and drivers license, utility, Postal Service change or address receipt
#5 DEATH
Your primary policyholder passed away leaving you with no coverage.
REQUIRED PROOF: Death Certificate, Copy of termination letter from prior insurance company
#6 INCOME CHANGE
That makes you newly eligible or ineligible for a tax credit.
REQUIRED PROOF: Copy of certificate of creditable coverage OR a copy of the termination letter from prior Insurance Company and/or federal or state agency
#7 NON-CALENDAR YEAR
Your current plan ends on a non-calendar year basis.
REQUIRED PROOF: Copy of termination letter from prior insurance company OR Certificate of Credible Coverage
Anytime that you enroll in a plan you will be asked to provide the following information:
1. What was your qualifying event?
2. What was the date of this event?
3. You’ll be asked to submit supporting documents.
So how long is this special enrollment period? Typically, you only have 60 days from the QLE to enroll in a new plan due to ACA law, carriers are very strict on enrollment timelines.