What is a special enrollment period?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
A 60-day window to buy or change Marketplace insurance outside Open Enrollment, triggered by a qualifying life event - Healthcare.gov groups them as losing coverage, household changes (marriage, baby, coverage-losing divorce, death), moves, and a catch-all list (citizenship, leaving incarceration, income shifts). The event generally must be within the past 60 days; some events allow enrolling in advance. Start dates vary by event - a newborn's coverage can begin the day of birth even if you enroll up to 60 days later. No qualifying event, no window. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you check whether your situation qualifies.
What to do
- Match your event to the list: coverage loss, household, move, or catch-all.
- Count 60 days from the event: treat day 50 as your real deadline.
- Documents ready: you may need proof of the event.
- No event? Check Medicaid: it enrolls year-round, no trigger needed.
Related questions
- Can I get health insurance outside open enrollment?
- How long do I have to enroll after losing coverage?
- How do I keep health insurance between jobs?
- What is a grace period for health insurance?