Life changes fast. You get married, have a baby, move across the state, or lose your job. Suddenly, your health insurance needs to change too. The good news? Big life moments like these may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). That means you can enroll in or update your health plan, even outside the open enrollment window, which varies by state.
If you’ve recently experienced a change, we’ll walk you through what counts as a qualifying life event and what you need to do next to purchase new health insurance.
WHAT IS A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT?
A qualifying life event is a significant change in your life that allows you to sign up for or make changes to your health insurance plan outside the annual open enrollment period. These changes trigger a special enrollment period.
Common qualifying life events include:
- Getting married
- Getting divorced and losing health insurance as a result
- Giving birth or adopting a baby
- A death in the family that results in a loss of health insurance coverage
- Loss of employer-sponsored coverage
- Loss of Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
- Moving to a new ZIP code or state
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE HAD A LIFE CHANGE
If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, here’s what you should do next:
- Confirm your event qualifies as a qualified life event and is eligible for a special enrollment period.
- Collect any required documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or letter showing coverage loss.
- Apply within 60 days of your life event to avoid missing your opportunity.
- Explore your plan options to make sure your new coverage fits your needs.
You can start by visiting our enrollment page or talking with a member of our team.
HOW SELECT HEALTH SUPPORTS YOU THROUGH LIFE TRANSITIONS
Big life moments come with big decisions. Select Health offers tools and services that make your next step easier. With us, you’ll have access to:
- A dedicated support team to walk you through coverage options
- Access to wellness rewards for simple, healthy habits you can start today
- Cost estimators to help plan your expenses and compare plan benefits, so you can avoid surprises
- Dental and vision add-ons to complete your new plan
We also offer Medicaid coverage for qualifying individuals and families in Utah, and we can help guide you if you’ve lost eligibility or are transitioning to a Marketplace plan.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS
Do I need to report my qualifying life event right away?
Yes. You have 60 days from the date of your life change to enroll or update your plan. It’s best to start early so you don’t miss the deadline.
Can I switch plans after getting married?
Yes. Marriage is a qualifying life event. You’ll have 60 days from the date you were married to add a spouse, update your coverage, or shop for a new plan.
What if I lose Medicaid coverage?
Losing Medicaid can count as a qualifying life event. Call us to see if your policy allows for a special enrollment period in this scenario.
What documents do I need to submit?
It depends on your situation. Common documents include:
- A marriage certificate
- Birth certificate or adoption papers
- Proof of prior coverage ending
- A lease or utility bill if you’ve moved
Can I enroll my newborn?
Absolutely. Birth or adoption allows you to add your child to a plan within 60 days. You can also update your plan when adding a child if your family’s needs have changed.
What happens if I move to a new state or ZIP code?
A permanent move may qualify you for a new plan option. You may need to select a new plan based on the provider network in your new area. Call us to see if your policy allows for a special enrollment period in this scenario.
What happens when I turn 26 and lose my parents’ plan?
Once you turn 26, you’re generally no longer eligible for coverage under a parent’s plan. This qualifies you for an SEP. Take time to compare individual health plans designed for young adults and budget-conscious individuals.
FIND THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOUR NEW LIFE CHAPTER
Big changes can bring big questions, but they also bring new opportunities to take care of yourself and your family. Whether you’re starting fresh, growing your family, or navigating unexpected change, Select Health is here to help. Take a look at our plan options to find one that’s right for your life.
