I missed the Open Enrollment deadline. Can I still get coverage?

Missing the Open Enrollment deadline doesn't mean you're out of options. Depending on your situation, you may still be able to enroll in a health plan — or find temporary coverage until the next enrollment window opens.

Special Enrollment Periods

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside of Open Enrollment where you can sign up for or change your health insurance. SEPs are triggered by Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) — specific changes in your life that affect your coverage needs.

Common qualifying life events include:

• Losing job-based health insurance
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Moving to a new state or zip code
• Turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan
• Gaining citizenship or lawful presence status
• Losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility

How Long Do You Have?

Most Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. That means 60 days to select a plan and enroll. Don't wait — coverage doesn't start until you actually enroll, and the clock starts on the event date, not when you realize you need coverage.

What If I Don't Qualify for an SEP?

If you don't have a qualifying life event you have a few options depending on your state:

• Wait for the next Open Enrollment Period — which typically runs November 1 through January 15 for coverage starting the following year
• Medicaid or CHIP — if your income qualifies, these programs accept applications year-round with no enrollment window
• Short-term health plans — available in some states as a temporary bridge, though coverage is limited and these plans don't meet ACA standards. Read the fine print carefully.
• Spouse or domestic partner's plan — if someone in your household has employer coverage, losing your own coverage is typically a qualifying event that allows you to join their plan