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What is Special Enrollment?

Learn whether you qualify to enroll outside of Open Enrollment (Nov-Jan)

Jess avatar
Written by Jess
Updated over 3 months ago

If you have a qualifying life event (like a new baby, a big move or a loss of coverage, you might qualify to enroll in a new health insurance plan. You generally have 60 days to enroll in a new plan.

Catch can help you file the necessary paperwork to qualify for Special Enrollment and make sure that you also maximize your savings on a new plan -- get started here!

Changes in household

  • Getting married, divorced, or legally separated

  • Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child in foster care

  • Death of a family member on your health insurance plan

Changes in primary residence

  • Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county

  • Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory

  • If you're a student, moving to or from the place you attend school

  • If you're a seasonal worker, moving to or from the place you both live and work

  • Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing

Note: You must confirm you had qualifying health coverage for one or more days during the 60 days before your move.

Loss of insurance

  • Loss of job-based coverage

  • Loss of individual coverage

  • Losing eligibility for CHIP, Medicaid, or Medicare

  • Losing coverage through a family member (for example, because you turned 26)

Note: If you lost coverage because you weren't able to pay your premiums, unfortunately that does not qualify.

Other changes

  • Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for

  • Becoming a U.S. citizen

  • Leaving incarceration

  • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder

  • Starting or ending service as an AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, or NCCC member

Remember, you can enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) any time of year, whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or not.

Still have questions?

Catch Support is here to help with any questions about whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period!

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