If you’ve had a qualifying life change — like moving to a new state — you can apply for coverage for a limited time outside the yearly open enrollment period. This is called a special enrollment period.
- If you’re applying for an individual plan, your special enrollment period typically lasts for 60 days after the date of your life change, or 60 days before an expected life change.
- If
you’re applying for coverage through your employer, your special
enrollment period lasts at least 30 days from the date of your life change. The
length of time varies by employer.
- If
you opt for COBRA coverage, you
can sign up within 60 days of the date you lose coverage or the date you get
your COBRA election notice — whichever is later. For state COBRA coverage, sign
up by the date specified in your COBRA election notice.
- If
you qualify for Medicaid, you
can apply anytime — with no time restrictions.
You’ll want
to act quickly: If
you don’t apply by your deadline, you’ll usually need to wait until the
following year’s open enrollment period to apply for new coverage.