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 usually have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time.

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