Qualifying Events for Health Insurance: 10 Surprising Triggers

Health insurance is essential for protecting yourself from unexpected medical expenses. But did you know that certain life events can trigger a special enrollment period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment window? These qualifying events are known as "life changes" or "triggering events," and they can be a lifesaver when you need coverage quickly.

10 Major Qualifying Events for Health Insurance

1. Losing Health Insurance: If you lose your job-based health insurance, you have a 60-day special enrollment period to enroll in a new plan.
2. Gaining Dependents: If you get married, have a baby, or adopt a child, you can enroll in a new plan within 60 days of the event.
3. Moving to a New State: If you move to a new state, you have a 60-day special enrollment period to enroll in a new plan.
4. Turning 26: If you are turning 26 and no longer eligible for your parents' health insurance plan, you have a 60-day special enrollment period to enroll in your own plan.
5. Enrolling in Medicare: If you are eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month special enrollment period to enroll in Part A and Part B coverage.
6. Qualifying for Medicaid: If you qualify for Medicaid, you can enroll in a plan at any time during the year.
7. Experiencing a Domestic Abuse Situation: If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan.
8. Losing Incarceration: If you are released from prison or jail, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan.
9. Becoming a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident: If you become a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan.
10. Having a Disability: If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do I qualify for a qualifying event? Check the list above to see if you have experienced a life change that qualifies you for a special enrollment period.
• When does my special enrollment period start and end? The start and end dates of your special enrollment period vary depending on the qualifying event.
• How do I enroll in a health insurance plan? You can enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly through an insurance company.
• What are my options for health insurance plans? There are a variety of health insurance plans available, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.
• How can I get help with enrolling in a health insurance plan? You can get help with enrolling in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through a licensed insurance agent.

Tips and Tricks

• Act quickly: If you qualify for a special enrollment period, don't wait to enroll in a health insurance plan. The sooner you enroll, the sooner your coverage will start.
• Compare plans: Before you enroll in a health insurance plan, compare the plans available to you to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
• Get help: If you need help with enrolling in a health insurance plan, don't hesitate to reach out to the Health Insurance Marketplace or a licensed insurance agent.

Pros and Cons of Qualifying Events

Pros:

• Flexibility: Qualifying events give you more flexibility to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment window.
• Access to coverage: Qualifying events can help you get health insurance coverage when you need it most.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have health insurance coverage can give you peace of mind.

Cons:

• Time limits: Special enrollment periods are typically limited to 60 or 75 days.
• Documentation: You may need to provide documentation of your qualifying event to enroll in a health insurance plan.
• Availability: Not all health insurance plans are available during special enrollment periods.

Conclusion

Qualifying events can be a lifesaver when you need health insurance coverage quickly. By understanding the different qualifying events, you can ensure that you have the coverage you need when you need it most.