What counts as a qualifying life event?
Common triggers include:
- Losing health coverage — leaving a job, aging off a parent's plan at 26, losing Medicaid, or a plan ending.
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county with different plan options.
- Getting married or entering a domestic partnership.
- Having a baby, adopting, or placing a child for foster care.
- Changes in income that affect subsidy eligibility (in some cases).
- Gaining citizenship or lawfully present status.
Each event opens a limited window — usually 60 days — so timing matters. Miss the window and you may have to wait for the next Open Enrollment.
What if I don't have a qualifying event?
You may still have options. Some private and supplemental plans can be purchased year-round, and it's worth a quick conversation to see what fits until the next Open Enrollment.
How to check if you qualify
The fastest way is to talk to a licensed broker — it's free. Tell me what changed and I'll confirm whether it opens an SEP and, if so, help you compare plans and enroll before the window closes. I'm Carson Hornish, licensed in 24 states (NPN 21581721).
Not sure if you qualify?
Tell me what changed and I'll check for a Special Enrollment Period — free, and no pressure.
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