How to Get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment
Missed Open Enrollment? You may still be able to get health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period, Medicaid, or a short-term plan. Here's how each option works.
By Fast Health Benefits Editorial Team · Published · 2 min read
Open Enrollment is the once-a-year window when anyone can sign up for an ACA Marketplace health plan. But life doesn't follow a calendar. If you lost your job, moved, or just realized you're uninsured, you likely have more options than you think.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside of Open Enrollment when you can buy or change a Marketplace health plan because of a qualifying life event. In most cases you have 60 days from the event to pick a plan.
Qualifying life events
The most common events that trigger a Special Enrollment Period are:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Loss of coverage | Losing job-based coverage, aging off a parent's plan at 26, losing Medicaid/CHIP eligibility |
| Household changes | Marriage, divorce (in some cases), birth, adoption, death in the family |
| Residence changes | Moving to a new ZIP code or county, moving to the U.S., moving out of a shelter |
| Other | Gaining citizenship, leaving incarceration, certain income changes |
You may need to provide documents, such as a letter from your former employer or a marriage certificate, to confirm the event.
Option 1: Enroll through a Special Enrollment Period
If you have a qualifying event, apply through your state's Marketplace or work with a licensed agent. You'll still be eligible for premium tax credits based on your income, so your coverage may cost less than you expect. Coverage typically starts the first of the month after you select a plan.
Option 2: Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) accept applications any time of the year. Eligibility depends on your income, household size, and state. If you've had a drop in income, check whether you now qualify.
Option 3: Short-term health insurance
Short-term medical plans can provide temporary coverage when you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. They often have lower premiums, but:
- They can deny coverage or exclude pre-existing conditions.
- They may not cover maternity, mental health, or prescription drugs.
- Federal rules limit how long they can last, and some states don't allow them.
Short-term plans work best as a bridge — not a long-term replacement for comprehensive coverage.
Option 4: Job-based or spouse's coverage
If you start a new job or your spouse has employer coverage, a life event like marriage or a new job typically lets you join that plan outside its normal enrollment window. Check with the employer's HR department about deadlines.
How to get covered fast
- Identify your qualifying event and the date it happened.
- Gather proof (termination letter, lease, marriage certificate).
- Compare plans and estimate your subsidy.
- Enroll before your 60-day window closes.
A licensed agent can check your SEP eligibility and compare plans for you in one call — at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Special Enrollment Period?
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Most Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event. For some events, such as losing coverage, you can also report it up to 60 days before the coverage ends.
Does voluntarily quitting my job's health plan count as a qualifying event?
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Generally, no. Voluntarily dropping coverage or being terminated for not paying premiums does not qualify. Losing employer coverage because you left the job or had hours reduced usually does.
Can I buy a short-term health plan at any time?
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In most states, yes. Short-term plans are sold year-round, but federal rules limit their length and some states restrict or ban them. They don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or all essential health benefits.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or medical advice. Plan availability, benefits, and pricing vary by state and carrier. Speak with a licensed agent about your specific situation.