Qualifying life events (QLE) are changes in your situation that can make you eligible for enrollment into a health insurance plan outside of the established annual open enrollment period.
QLE recognize that unexpected changes happen, and provide a special enrollment period to obtain health insurance coverage. QLE may differ based on different employers, health insurance providers, or whether you are on Medicaid or a Marketplace health insurance plan.
The list below isn't comprehensive– your situation might be considered a QLE, but not be listed here. Talk to your human resources department and/or insurance provider to learn about their specific QLE.
Turning 26 years old and losing health insurance coverage through a parent’s plan
Losing health insurance coverage that was through a family member
Losing existing employer-sponsored, student, or private health insurance coverage
Losing eligibility for health insurance coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Getting married, divorced, or legally separated
Having a baby
Adopting or fostering a child
Death in the family (especially if the individual who passed was the primary plan-holder)
Moving to a different ZIP code, county, or state within the U.S.
Moving to the U.S. from a U.S. territory or a different country
Moving to or from the place where one attends college or university (or other schooling)
Moving to or from where one lives and works for seasonal employment
Moving to or from a housing shelter
Income changes that affect the coverage one qualifies for
Becoming a U.S. citizen
Starting or ending AmeriCorps service
Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe
Gaining status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
Note: Documentation may be required to support special enrollment for a qualifying life event. Supporting documentation requirements may differ by situation, type of qualifying life event, or health insurance provider.