This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Healthcare rules and costs change annually. Last reviewed: January 1, 2025. Always verify current details with your insurer, employer, or a licensed healthcare navigator.
Special Enrollment Period
A limited window to enroll in health insurance outside of open enrollment after a qualifying life event.
Full Definition
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside the annual open enrollment window when you're allowed to enroll in or change a health plan due to a qualifying life event. For ACA marketplace plans, most SEPs last 60 days from the triggering event. Employers also offer SEPs for their own qualifying events. Certain situations — like losing Medicaid coverage or becoming a victim of domestic abuse — also qualify.
Real-World Example
Your baby is born in July. You have a 60-day special enrollment period to add the baby to your health plan — even though open enrollment closed months ago.
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