Glossary
Special Enrollment Period
A limited time when you can apply for or change health insurance outside the usual yearly open enrollment period, usually because of a major life change.
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window of time—usually 30 to 60 days—when you can sign up for or change health insurance plans without waiting for the yearly open enrollment period.
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience certain life changes, such as:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Losing health coverage
- Moving to a new state
- Having a significant change in income
If you think you qualify, contact your state health insurance marketplace or HealthCare.gov right away. You'll need to provide proof of the life change that qualifies you. A Special Enrollment Period is your chance to get coverage when you need it most—even if you missed the regular enrollment deadline.
Programs where this matters
MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.ACA SubsidiesCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPremium tax credits may lower the monthly cost of a health plan you buy through the ACA Marketplace.CHIPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.