Insurance Sign Up Dates 101
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not allow you to make changes or sign up outside of certain annual periods. It is key to be aware of these dates and make sure you make the most of your options!
When to update or sign up for new coverage under normal circumstances:
Private: Generally November 1 through December 15th
Marketplace (Affordable Care Act): Generally November 1 through December 15th
Medicaid: Any Time of the year
Outside of these times, you are able to update or sign up for a new plan due the following reasons:
Native Americans and people eligible for Medicaid/CHIP can enroll year-round.
If you’ve got a qualifying event, you can enroll in coverage.
If none of those apply, a short-term plan is the closest thing to real insurance in most states.
Federal regulations allow a short-term plan (with renewals) to last up to 36 months, although about half the states have more restrictive rules.
What is considered a qualifying life event?
Loss of health coverage:
Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual, and student plans
Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP
Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan
Changes in household:
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby or adopting a child
Death in the family
Changes in residence:
Moving to a different ZIP code or county
A student moving to or from the place they attend school
A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work
Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing
Other qualifying events:
Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for
Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
Becoming a U.S. citizen
Leaving incarceration [This is not always the case for private insurers so confirm with your insurance first]
AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service