Special Enrollment Period

You may be able to change your plan or enroll in a new one if you have a qualifying life event.

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Page last updated on: 1/29/26

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the key time each year to secure affordable individual and family health coverage for the upcoming year. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, you can shop for ACA health insurance plans, compare coverage options and enroll in a plan that begins January 1.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to enroll in health coverage outside of OEP if you experience a qualifying life event (QLE). These events ensure you don’t have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to get the coverage you need.

What is a qualifying life event?

A qualifying life event (QLE) is a change in your life situation that makes you eligible for an SEP. These events allow you to enroll in Individual health coverage outside the annual OEP.

This list includes situations that most people will use to qualify. After you finish an application or enroll in health coverage, you may be asked to submit documents to verify your QLE.

How long is a Special Enrollment Period?

If you have a qualifying life event (QLE), you can enroll for Individual and family health coverage during your SEP. Depending on the qualifying life event, you will have up to 60 days before or 60 days after to enroll in a plan during your SEP.

What you need to know

There are many rules around a Special Enrollment Period, but here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Voluntarily canceling other health coverage or being terminated for not paying your premium is not considered a loss of coverage
  • Your coverage will start when you pick a plan, but you can't use your coverage until you confirm you qualify and you pay your first premium payment

We're here to help you navigate the process

We'll share special enrollment information and guidance to help you choose the best plan for your needs and budget. Learn about important deadlines, ways to save money and the steps to take before and after enrolling.

The SEP enrollment process

We have an SEP enrollment checklist that can help as you shop and get ready to enroll.

  1. See plans & prices
  2. We'll ask you a few questions to help us find the best plans and prices available in your area.
  3. If you check the box to see if you qualify for a federal subsidy, we'll check if you're eligible for financial assistance.
  4. You'll see MyPriority® plans available in your area, along with benefits and prices.
  5. When you're ready to enroll, click on the Enroll now button. You'll be guided through the process.

You can also call 833.979.3109 to talk to an award-winning1 health plan specialist. They're ready to help you enroll in the best plan for you and your family.

If you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

If you don't have a QLE, you can enroll in an Individual & family health plan during OEP. See our short-term plans, which may help out until OEP starts.

If you were denied an SEP and disagree with the decision, you can appeal it within 90 days. Details can be found on healthcare.gov.

Additional savings may be available

Subsidies can change every year—but that doesn’t mean you’re no longer eligible. You may still qualify for savings in 2026. Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies can make coverage more affordable through premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

When you shop, check the box to see if you qualify for additional savings, even if you don't think you'll qualify. Learn more about how to save on health coverage.

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Choose a health plan that fits your budget—beyond just the premium

When selecting health insurance, don’t focus solely on the monthly premium. Your total costs depend on more than that.

Review the plan details, including provider networks, deductibles, copays and any extra benefits. A smart choice is a plan that’s affordable, reliable and designed to support you when you need care the most.

Learn how to compare health plans.

Remember this step after enrolling

After you complete your special enrollment, your work isn't quite done.

  • You'll find out if you have to provide documents to confirm a SEP after you submit your application. If you do, you'll have 30 days to send the documents.
  • You can't use your coverage until your eligibility is confirmed and you pay your first premium payment.
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What you can expect from a MyPriority plan

Keep in mind, a deductible is the amount you pay before the health plan starts to pay for certain services.

  • Preventive care is covered in full, before deductible: This includes physical exams, well-child visits, vaccines, screenings for breast, cervical and colon cancer and more.
  • Low prescription copays: Prescriptions and medications are covered under our plans so you can save on out-of-pocket costs.
  • 24/7 virtual urgent care2: A great option for treating minor illnesses and injuries like ear infections, fevers, coughs, minor burns or bites.
  • Chronic condition coverage, before deductible: Our plans include supplies and prescriptions at zero or low cost to help manage chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
  • On-demand mental health support: You'll have free access to Teladoc Health Mental Health, an online mental health and wellness tool.
  • Maternity care is covered in full, before deductible: Get the prenatal and postnatal care you need for your special delivery.

Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

On the next page, we'll ask a few questions and see if you qualify for additional savings to make a MyPriority health plan even more affordable.

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Frequently asked questions

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a designated timeframe outside the annual Open Enrollment when individuals can enroll in or change ACA-compliant health plans due to certain life events. It's available year-round, triggered by qualifying life events (QLEs).

Common QLEs include:

  • Job loss or loss of other qualifying health coverage
  • Marriage, divorce or death of a policyholder
  • Birth, adoption  or foster care placement
  • Moving to a new ZIP code or county
  • Gaining U.S. citizenship or immigration status
  • Turning 26 and losing parental coverage

You can see the full list of QLEs on healthcare.gov.

An SEP usually begins the day the qualifying life event occurs (e.g., the day you lose coverage, move, get married, have a baby). You then have 60 days from that date to enroll.

Coverage loss due to non‑payment does not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 

Only involuntary loss of qualifying coverage—such as job loss, COBRA expiration or aging off a parent’s plan—triggers SEP eligibility.

If you miss the 60-day SEP window, you're generally not allowed to enroll until the next Open Enrollment Period (Nov. 1–Dec. 15), unless another eligible QLE occurs.

You'll be notified if documentation is needed during or after your application process.

Examples include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth or adoption papers
  • Employer letters confirming job loss
  • Proof of new address

If your eligibility notice doesn't say you need to submit documents, you don’t have to. Simply pick a plan and enroll.

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2 HSA plans are subject to deductible