Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment

Getting 2015 coverage with a Special Enrollment Period

After February 15, 2015, you can enroll in a 2015 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Answer a few questions to find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. If you already know you do, select the button below and we’ll take you to apply or update your application.

Life events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period

  • Getting married
  • Having a baby

  • Adopting a child or placing a child for adoption or foster care

    Losing other health coverage

    Examples of losing coverage

    • Losing job-based coverage for any reason, including resigning, getting laid off, or getting fired
    • Losing coverage through a divorce
    • COBRA coverage ending (but not cancelling it yourself before it expires)
    • Aging off a parent’s plan when you turn 26
    • Losing eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

    Note: Losing coverage that doesn’t qualify as minimum essential coverage doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • Moving to a new residence

  • Gaining citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
  • Gaining or continuing status as a member of an Indian tribe or an Alaska Native shareholder. Members of federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska native shareholders can sign up for or change plans once per month throughout the year.
  • Leaving incarceration
  • For people already enrolled in Marketplace coverage: Having a change in income or household status that affects eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions

Find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, or learn how to apply if you know you do.

If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

You can apply online or by phone. Before you apply, you can use a checklist to gather everything you need before you call or log in (PDF).

To enroll with a Special Enrollment Period online

You’ll enroll in different ways depending on whether you already have Marketplace insurance.

If you don’t have Marketplace coverage

Visit our screener, enter your ZIP code, then select the bottom button reading “Start an application.”

If you already have Marketplace coverage

You must report the life change that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period on your Marketplace application and then enroll in your new plan:

Need to upload documents to report your change? Learn how to upload documents.

To enroll with a Special Enrollment Period by phone

You can contact the Marketplace Call Center to apply by phone. Be sure to tell the representative you think you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. They will verify your eligibility.

More answers: Special Enrollment Periods

What if I’m turned down for a Special Enrollment Period but I think I qualify?

You can appeal the decision. Learn how to appeal the decision to deny you a Special Enrollment Period.

What if something outside my control prevented me from getting coverage during the Open Enrollment Period?

In a few very limited situations, you could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Learn about Special Enrollment Periods for complex issues.

If I missed the Open Enrollment deadline and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, when can I buy a Marketplace health plan?

The Open Enrollment period for 2016 is November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016.

In the meantime, you can sign up for Marketplace emails to get timely reminders and information to help you enroll next year.