Can I buy or change private health plan coverage outside of Open Enrollment?

In general, you can have a special enrollment opportunity to sign up for Marketplace coverage during the year, other than during Open Enrollment period, if you have a qualifying event. Some examples of qualifying events include marriage, gaining a dependent, or loss of employment. Only one person in a household applying for coverage or financial assistance through the Exchange must qualify for a SEP in order for the entire household to qualify for the SEP. A link provided here gives details on the types of events that would qualify you for a SEP and the timing and coverage effective dates for each event.

Note that some triggering events will only qualify you for a SEP in the health insurance Marketplace; they do not apply in the outside market.

States generally have flexibility to expand special enrollment opportunities for consumers. If you reside in a State-based Marketplace, check with your state Marketplace for more information. If you are unsure if you reside in a State-based Marketplace, or in a state where the Marketplace is offered on the Federal Platform (also known as a Healthcare.gov state or a State-based Marketplace-Federal Platform), click here for more information.