Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time.

Related content

• Check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
• Learn more about Special Enrollment Periods
• Get Open Enrollment dates and deadlines
• New, lower costs available

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