Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. If you miss your Special Enrollment Period window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to apply.

You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year, if you're eligible, whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or not.

Job-based plans must provide a Special Enrollment Period of at least 30 days.

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