SPECIAL ENROLLMENT

Life Changed?
Get Health Insurance Now

Job loss, divorce, a new baby, or other major life changes qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period — meaning you can secure health insurance right now, even outside the standard Open Enrollment window.

Find Coverage Now

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

60 days to enroll

Divorce / Separation

60 days to enroll

Birth or Adoption

60 days to enroll

Marriage

60 days to enroll

Moved to New Area

60 days to enroll

Turning 26

60 days to enroll

Pregnant

Enroll anytime (Medicaid)

Citizenship/Status Change

60 days to enroll

Coverage for Your Situation

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

Losing your job is stressful enough without worrying about health insurance. The good news: you have options, and many people find replacement coverage that is more affordable than expected.

  • ACA Marketplace Plans — Often the most affordable. 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 (often $500–$700+/month).
  • Medicaid — If your income dropped significantly, you may now qualify for free Medicaid coverage.
  • Short-Term Health Insurance — Temporary gap coverage while looking for a new job. Usually cheaper but with fewer 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.

If you were covered under your spouse's employer health plan, divorce or legal separation means you will lose that coverage. This qualifies you for Special Enrollment.

  • ACA Marketplace Plans — Get your own individual plan with subsidies based on your new, individual income.
  • COBRA from Spouse's Plan — Continue on your ex's employer plan for up to 36 months (you pay full premium).
  • Employer Coverage — If you have your own job with benefits, divorce triggers a qualifying event to enroll immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTES
  • Coverage end date is usually the day your divorce is final or when officially removed from the plan.
  • 60 Days — You have 60 days from losing coverage to enroll in marketplace or elect COBRA.
  • Children's Coverage — Kids may remain on either parent's plan regardless of custody.

Pregnancy itself isn't a qualifying life event in most states, but you still have excellent options to get covered. Act fast — prenatal care should start early.

  • Medicaid for Pregnant Women — Income limits are significantly higher. Many states cover pregnancy up to 200%+ of the poverty level. Apply anytime.
  • ACA Marketplace (During Open Enrollment) — All marketplace plans must cover pregnancy and maternity care as essential health benefits.
  • Employer Coverage — Review the policy to ensure maternity is fully covered.
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.

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.

  • Add to Existing Plan — Add your baby to your current marketplace or employer plan within 60 days of birth.
  • CHIP (Children's Health Insurance) — Free or low-cost coverage for children. Income limits are higher than standard Medicaid.
  • Medicaid for Children — Children qualify at much higher income levels than adults.
  • New Family Plan — Use this qualifying event to shop the marketplace for a new family plan.
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.

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 planDepends on plan network
Subsidy Eligible?No subsidiesYes, based on income
How Long?18 months (36 for divorce)As long as you need
Enrollment Deadline60 days to elect60 days to enroll
Best ForMid-treatment, specific doctorsMost people (cost savings)

Not sure which is right for you? We'll compare your actual costs — it's free.

Don't Let a Life Change Leave You Uninsured

You have a 60-day window after most life events. Our advisors will find your best option fast — completely free.


Get Coverage Now