Special Enrollment Period: Life Events that Make You Eligible for Health Insurance

No matter what stage of life you’re at, having the right level of health insurance can be crucial. The right coverage gives you (and your loved ones) financial protection and peace of mind that you can access quality healthcare services - when you need them most. 

Whether you live in North Carolina or any state in the U.S., you can purchase the right level of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Usually, you’re only eligible to purchase during what’s known as the annual Open Enrollment Period. But, for certain life events and special circumstances, known as Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), you can enroll or change your health insurance plans outside of the regular enrollment period. 

Why Health Insurance Matters

Arranging health insurance is essential to protecting your health and financial well-being. Without the right level of coverage, medical expenses can accumulate fast and potentially cause a massive financial burden.

The right health insurance coverage also provides access to various healthcare services, such as preventive care, doctor visits, prescription medications, and hospitalization. You can protect not only yourself but your family. Which is why it’s important to get coverage when your family situation changes.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period (also known as SEPs) is given to anyone who has experienced a specific qualifying life event that affects their healthcare needs. It provides you with a specific time frame when you can enroll or make changes to your coverage that falls outside the normal Open Enrollment Period. 

Eligibility for Special Enrollment Periods

Let’s take a look at some of the most common (and exciting!) changes that make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Getting married 

One of the biggest life events that qualify you for a SEP is major changes in your household. For example, getting married or entering into a domestic partnership. For many people, your focus shifts from thinking as an individual to thinking as a partnership. And you can enroll or change your health insurance coverage to ensure you’re both covered under the one policy. 

Having a baby

When there’s a new child in your family, either through birth, adoption, or foster care, you’ll qualify for a SEP. So you can find the right plan that offers coverage for you, your partner, and your new baby!

Moving to a new area

If you’re moving to a new home in a different state or region, you may be eligible for a SEP to enroll in the right health insurance coverage at your new location with providers that are in network.  This SEP allows you to get the care you need from the best providers in the area.

Coming home

Returning to the U.S. after living abroad also qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. So if you’re moving home permanently, enrolling in the right health plan can make sure you’re fully covered as soon as you return to home soil. 

Becoming a U.S. citizen

For anyone obtaining U.S. citizenship (or lawful presence), you may be eligible for a SEP to arrange the best health insurance plan so you can start your new life with the right level of protection for you and your family.

Other SEP Eligibility

Of course, there are other life events too that allow you to access SEPs, such as:

• Divorce or Separation

• Loss of job

• No longer eligible under your parent’s plan

• Loss of Medicaid or CHIP Eligibility

Taking advantage of Special Enrollment Periods gives you a great opportunity to obtain or modify your health insurance coverage outside the regular enrollment period so you can get the right level of coverage. 

Learning about the various qualifying life events means you won’t miss out when life changes. If you’ve got any questions about eligibility, give our local North Carolina health insurance agents a call. Our experienced team is here to help you find the best insurance at the right price for you. We can help you choose your health insurance to protect your and your family’s well-being and financial security. Get in touch today.