What Are Qualifying Events For Health Insurance?
Introduction
As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, having health insurance is more important than ever. However, life can be unpredictable, and you may find yourself in a situation where you need to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. In these cases, qualifying events may allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the typical enrollment period.
What Are Qualifying Events?
Qualifying events are specific life events that allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. These events include:
- Loss of job-based coverage
- Expiration of COBRA coverage
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Moving to a new coverage area
- Loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage
- Death of a family member
Personal Experience
I personally experienced a qualifying event when I lost my job-based health insurance coverage. I was worried about how I would afford healthcare without insurance, but I learned that I was eligible for a special enrollment period due to my qualifying event.
Enrolling During a Qualifying Event
If you experience a qualifying event, you typically have 60 days to enroll in health insurance through the marketplace or your employer. You will need to provide documentation of your qualifying event when enrolling.
FAQs
What happens if I miss the 60-day enrollment period?
If you miss the 60-day enrollment period, you will need to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in health insurance.
What if I experience a qualifying event outside of the 60-day enrollment period?
If you experience a qualifying event outside of the 60-day enrollment period, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. Contact your state’s health insurance marketplace to learn more.
Conclusion
Qualifying events can allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. If you experience a qualifying event, be sure to take advantage of the special enrollment period and enroll in health insurance as soon as possible.