SPECIAL ENROLLMENT

Life Changed? You May Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

Job loss, divorce, the birth of a child, or other major life changes may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the standard Open Enrollment window.

Find Coverage Now See Qualifying Events
Lost My Job
60 days to enroll
Divorce / Separation
60 days to enroll
Pregnant
Enroll anytime (Medicaid)
New Baby
60 days to enroll
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT

Qualifying Life Events

These life changes give you a Special Enrollment Period — typically 60 days to sign up for health insurance outside the regular Open Enrollment window.

Job Loss

Lost employer coverage due to job loss, layoff, reduced hours, or company closure.

Divorce or Legal Separation

Lost coverage through a spouse's health plan due to a recent divorce or legal separation.

Birth or Adoption

Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care in your home.

Marriage

Got married recently and need to add a spouse or completely change your household coverage.

Moved to a New Area

Relocated to a new ZIP code, county, or state with entirely different health plan options.

Aging Off Parent's Plan

Turning 26 and losing coverage under your parent's health insurance policy.

Coverage for Your Situation

Review your specific life event below to see your health insurance options and the critical deadlines you need to meet.

Health Insurance After Job Loss

Lost your job or employer coverage? Here are your options.

Losing your job is stressful enough without worrying about health insurance. Many individuals find that marketplace coverage, with income-based subsidies applied, may be more affordable than continuing prior employer coverage. Subsidy amounts vary based on income and household size.

  • ACA Marketplace Plans
    Often the most affordable option. Subsidies based on your current (lower) income can mean $0 or very low monthly premiums.
  • COBRA Continuation
    Keep your exact same plan for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium out-of-pocket (often $500-$700+/month).
  • Medicaid
    If your income dropped significantly due to the job loss, you may now instantly qualify for free Medicaid coverage.
  • Short-Term Health Insurance
    Temporary gap coverage while you look for a new job with benefits. Usually cheaper but with fewer comprehensive benefits.
KEY DEADLINES
60 Days Special Enrollment Period to sign up for marketplace coverage.
60 Days To elect COBRA (coverage will be retroactive to your job loss date).
Anytime Apply for Medicaid — there is no enrollment period restriction.
Get Coverage →

Health Insurance After Divorce

Lost coverage through your spouse? You have options.

If you were covered under your spouse's employer health plan, divorce or legal separation means you will lose that coverage. But this qualifies you for Special Enrollment, so you can get your own plan right away without waiting.

  • ACA Marketplace Plans
    Get your own individual plan with subsidies based on your new, individual income. Many people qualify for significant savings.
  • COBRA from Spouse's Plan
    Continue on your ex's employer plan for up to 36 months, but you will likely be responsible for paying the full premium.
  • Employer Coverage
    If you have your own job with benefits, divorce triggers a qualifying event to allow you to enroll in your own employer's plan immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Coverage End Date Usually the exact day your divorce is final or when you are officially removed from the plan.
60 Days You have 60 days from losing coverage to enroll in the marketplace or elect COBRA.
Children's Coverage Kids may remain on either parent's plan regardless of who has primary custody.
Get Coverage →

Health Insurance While Pregnant

Need coverage for pregnancy and delivery? Here's what to know.

Pregnancy itself isn't a qualifying life event for marketplace enrollment in most states, but you still have several excellent options to get covered. Early prenatal care is important. We encourage exploring coverage options as soon as possible. Our advisors can help you review Medicaid and marketplace eligibility.

  • Medicaid for Pregnant Women
    Income limits are significantly higher for pregnant women. Many states cover pregnancy up to 200%+ of the poverty level. You can apply anytime.
  • ACA Marketplace (During Open Enrollment)
    If you apply during Open Enrollment, all marketplace plans must cover pregnancy and maternity care as essential health benefits.
  • Employer Coverage
    If you or your partner have employer coverage, we can help you review the policy to ensure maternity is fully covered and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
PREGNANCY COVERAGE
Medicaid Apply anytime, higher income limits for pregnant women.
All ACA Plans Must cover pregnancy & delivery unconditionally.
Average Cost ~$2,854 with insurance vs ~$18,865 without coverage.
Get Coverage →

Health Insurance for Newborns

Just had a baby? Here's how to get them covered.

Congratulations! Having a baby is a qualifying life event that lets you add your newborn to your plan or shop for entirely new family coverage. Newborns are automatically covered for their first 30 days under the mother's policy, but you need to officially enroll them.

  • Add to Existing Plan
    Add your baby to your current marketplace or employer plan within 60 days of birth to ensure continuous coverage.
  • CHIP (Children's Health Insurance)
    Free or low-cost coverage for children. Income limits are higher than standard Medicaid — many middle-class families easily qualify.
  • Medicaid for Children
    Children qualify for Medicaid at much higher income levels than adults. Your baby may qualify even if you do not.
  • New Family Plan
    Use this qualifying event to shop the marketplace for a new family plan that better fits your growing needs and budget.
KEY DEADLINES
30 Days Newborns are auto-covered on the parent's plan for the first month.
60 Days Deadline to officially add the baby or change to a new health plan.
Anytime Apply for Medicaid or CHIP whenever you need it.
Get Coverage →
COMPARE OPTIONS

COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace

Lost employer coverage? Here's how keeping your old plan through COBRA stacks up against securing a new marketplace plan.

Feature COBRA ACA Marketplace
Monthly Cost $500-$700+ (full premium) $0-$300 (with subsidies)
Same Doctors? Yes, exact same plan Depends on plan network
Subsidy Eligible? No subsidies Yes, based on income
How Long? 18 months (36 for divorce) As long as you need
Enrollment Deadline 60 days to elect 60 days to enroll
Best For Mid-treatment, specific doctors Most people (cost savings)

Amounts and comparisons shown above are for illustrative purposes only. Actual costs, eligibility, and coverage may vary based on individual circumstances, plan selection, and location.

Not sure which option is right for your situation?

Our licensed advisors can review your specific circumstances and help you compare available options — at no additional cost to you.