Qualifying Life Events

Outside Open Enrollment, you can’t just buy a Marketplace plan whenever you want — unless you’ve had a qualifying life event. These events trigger a Special Enrollment Period, usually 60 days, during which you can enroll or change plans. Here are the ones I see most.

Life Events That Qualify

• Losing health coverage — job loss, hours cut, COBRA ending, aging off a parent’s plan. The most common trigger I see.
• Getting married — marriage opens a window for both spouses to enroll or change plans.
• New baby or adoption — birth, adoption, or foster placement. Coverage can start retroactive to the birth date.
• Moving — a permanent move to a new ZIP code or county with different plan options.
• Turning 26 — aging off a parent’s health plan. You get 60 days before and after your birthday.
• Divorce or legal separation — losing coverage through a former spouse’s plan.
• Death in the household — losing coverage because a family member who carried the plan passed away.

The 60-Day Clock

For most of these, you have 60 days from the event to enroll — for some, like turning 26 or losing job coverage, the window can start before the event. Don’t guess at the timing: call me right when the event happens and I’ll pin down your exact window.

Documents You’ll Need

The Marketplace usually asks for proof: a marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of prior coverage, proof of address for a move. Gather them early — paperwork delays are the number one reason people miss their window. I’ll tell you exactly what to have ready for your situation.

What Doesn’t Qualify

Wanting a cheaper plan, missing Open Enrollment because you forgot, or voluntarily dropping coverage generally do not open a Special Enrollment Period. If you’re not sure whether your situation counts, ask me before assuming — it costs nothing to check.

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