Many of life’s big moments may open the door to making changes to your health insurance coverage outside of the regular open enrollment period. Changes can most often be made either 30 or 60 days after the qualifying life event happens.

How long after a life event can you change insurance?

When you make big decisions in life, you may be eligible to buy or change Health Insurance Marketplace® coverage outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. If you’ve had a qualifying major life event, you have 60 days from the life event to enroll in coverage. You can apply or change plans online or by phone.

How long do I have after a qualifying event?

You usually have 30 to 60 days to enroll in a health plan after a qualifying event. If you expect to lose health insurance coverage within the next 60 days, like if you know you will leave your job, you may even have access to a Special Enrollment Period before your qualifying event.

What does insurance consider a life changing event?

A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.

What is date of qualifying event?

A qualifying event is a change in life circumstances that allows you to alter an existing health insurance policy, or sign up for a new one, outside of open enrollment periods. Without a qualifying event, you would need to wait until the next open enrollment period before making any changes.

Is pregnancy a life changing event for insurance?

Pregnancy isn’t considered a life-changing event that qualifies you for a special enrollment period, but the birth of the baby is. If you already have insurance, this special enrollment period allows you to make changes to your existing plan, such as adding your child.

What happens if you miss open enrollment?

Not a qualifying event: losing short-term coverage You then have a 60-day window during which you can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan. You also have the option to buy a short-term plan at that point, and it may be available with a term of up to a year, depending on where you live.

Is becoming pregnant a qualifying event?

Is Getting Pregnant a Qualifying Life Event? No, getting pregnant is not a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period in the marketplace. However, giving birth, adopting a child, or having a foster child placed in your home are qualifying life events.

Is getting laid off a qualifying life event?

If you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance because you leave a job or get laid off, you qualify for a special enrollment period in the Marketplace. If you age out of being on your parent’s plan, you qualify for special enrollment too.

What is a life changing event?

A life changing event is a change in status, family or work, that allows you to make changes to some or all insurance plans without being subject to Internal Revenue Service or master plan contract restrictions or limitations.

What kind of events may be life changing events?

Death of a family member or loved one, marriage, relationship issues, changes in circumstances and conditions of employment, illness and injury are examples of major life events. Such life events usually result in deep emotional shifts.

Is turning 26 a qualifying life event?

Turning 26 is a milestone birthday when it comes to health insurance. It’s called a Qualifying Life Event which impacts your eligibility to enroll in a health plan.

When can you change insurance outside of open enrollment?

You have until January 15, 2022 to change plans. Outside of Open Enrollment, you can change plans if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

What is a qualifying life event Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Certain changes in your life situation are known as qualifying life events, like a loss of health coverage, a change in your household, or a change in residence. Losing health insurance coverage due to job loss. Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Is voluntary loss of coverage a qualifying event?

Voluntary Loss of Coverage If you voluntarily lose your health care coverage, this will not be considered a qualifying life event that allows you to obtain a health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period.

Is turning 65 a qualifying life event?

Turning 65 is another moment in time that’s a qualifying life event. It gives you a chance to look into your opportunities for a Medicare plan.