Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Missed Open Enrollment? How a Special Enrollment Period Can Save You.

Find out if a recent life change qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period to get health insurance outside of normal dates with JRF Services.

What happens if I miss the annual Open Enrollment Period?

If you miss the standard enrollment window, you typically cannot buy an ACA health plan until the next year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). An SEP is a window of time—usually 60 days from the date of a qualifying life event—where you are legally allowed to enroll in or change your health insurance plan.

What counts as a "Qualifying Life Event" to trigger an SEP?

The most common life events that trigger a Special Enrollment Period include:

• Losing other health coverage: Such as losing a job-based plan, graduating from a university plan, or losing Medicaid eligibility.

• Household changes: Getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or experiencing a death in the family that alters your coverage.

• Moving: Changing your permanent residence to a new zip code or state that changes your available plan options. See if you qualify now.

How do I apply for an SEP, and can JRF Services help?

Applying for an SEP often requires submitting official proof of your life change (like a marriage certificate or a letter from your previous employer) to the government. At JRF Services, we can handle this entire verification process for you through our secure EDE system. If you've recently had a major life change, contact us to find out if you qualify to enroll immediately.