List Of Qualifying Events For Health Insurance
List Of Qualifying Events For Health Insurance
Introduction
As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, having health insurance is becoming more and more important. But what happens if you miss the open enrollment period? Fortunately, there are certain qualifying events that allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. In this article, we’ll discuss the list of qualifying events for health insurance.
Personal Experience
Last year, I missed the open enrollment period for health insurance. I was worried that I would be without health insurance for the entire year. But then I learned about qualifying events that would allow me to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. I was relieved to know that I still had options.
List of Qualifying Events
There are several qualifying events that allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. These include:
- Loss of job-based coverage
- Expiration of COBRA coverage
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Moving to a new state
- Change in income that affects eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid
Loss of Job-Based Coverage
If you lose your job and with it your health insurance coverage, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. This applies whether you were laid off, quit, or were fired. You’ll need to provide documentation that you lost your job-based coverage.
Expiration of COBRA Coverage
If your COBRA coverage is ending, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll need to enroll in a new plan within 60 days of your COBRA coverage ending.
Marriage
If you get married, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll have 60 days from the date of your marriage to enroll in a new plan.
Divorce
If you get divorced, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll have 60 days from the date of your divorce to enroll in a new plan.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
If you have a baby or adopt a child, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll have 60 days from the date of the birth or adoption to enroll in a new plan.
Moving to a New State
If you move to a new state, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll need to provide documentation that shows you moved to a new state.
Change in Income
If you experience a change in income that affects your eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. You’ll need to provide documentation of your income change.
Events Table
Here is a table that summarizes the qualifying events for health insurance:
Qualifying Event | Timeframe to Enroll |
---|---|
Loss of job-based coverage | 60 days from loss of coverage |
Expiration of COBRA coverage | 60 days from end of COBRA coverage |
Marriage | 60 days from date of marriage |
Divorce | 60 days from date of divorce |
Birth or adoption of a child | 60 days from date of birth or adoption |
Moving to a new state | 60 days from date of move |
Change in income that affects eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid | 60 days from date of income change |
Question and Answer
Q: Can I enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period?
A: Yes, there are certain qualifying events that allow you to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period.
Q: What are some of the qualifying events for health insurance?
A: Qualifying events include loss of job-based coverage, expiration of COBRA coverage, marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new state, and change in income that affects eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid.
Q: How long do I have to enroll in a new plan after a qualifying event?
A: You’ll have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan.
FAQs
Q: What if I don’t have documentation to prove my qualifying event?
A: You’ll need to provide documentation to prove your qualifying event in order to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. If you don’t have documentation, you may not be able to enroll.
Q: What if I miss the 60-day enrollment period?
A: If you miss the 60-day enrollment period, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in health insurance.