If you’ve missed the open enrollment period for health insurance, you may be worried about finding coverage. The good news is, there are several options available.

You may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) due to certain life events, or explore alternative health insurance options like short-term health insurance plans. Let’s break down the different ways you can secure health insurance coverage even after open enrollment has ended.

Understanding Open Enrollment for Health Insurance

Open enrollment is a designated period each year when people can enroll in a health insurance plan for the following year. During this time, individuals can sign up for a new plan, make changes to their existing plan, or cancel coverage.

Open enrollment is typically the only time of year when you can sign up for marketplace health insurance without a qualifying life event. Missing this period generally limits your options, but there are exceptions and alternative solutions.

Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you missed open enrollment, you may still have access to health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period. A SEP is triggered by certain life events, known as qualifying life events (QLEs). These events allow you to enroll in a health insurance plan outside the regular enrollment window. Here are some common QLEs that might make you eligible:

• Change in Household Size: If you got married, divorced, had a baby, adopted a child, or experienced the death of a family member, you might qualify for a SEP.
• Change in Residence: Moving to a different ZIP code or county, moving to the U.S. from a foreign country, or even moving between states may qualify as a QLE.
• Loss of Health Coverage: Losing job-based health coverage, COBRA expiration, or aging out of a parent’s plan if you are under 26 can also trigger a SEP.
• Other Special Circumstances: Specific government decisions, like Medicaid eligibility errors, may also grant access to a SEP.

To apply for health insurance during a SEP, you’ll need to verify your qualifying life event with documentation. Each SEP period typically lasts 60 days from the date of your QLE. It’s important to gather all required documents and apply as soon as possible to ensure there are no coverage gaps.

Alternative Health Insurance Options

If you don’t qualify for a SEP, there are other types of health insurance that can help you stay covered after open enrollment. These options may not provide the same level of coverage as ACA marketplace plans, but they can be effective temporary solutions.

Short-Term Health Insurance Plans

Short-term health insurance is a temporary solution designed to cover individuals for a limited time. These plans typically offer coverage from a few months up to one year and can be renewed under certain circumstances.

Although short-term plans usually don’t cover essential health benefits, such as maternity care or mental health services, they can be helpful in emergency situations and for preventive care.

Pros

• Affordable monthly premiums
• Quick and easy enrollment process
• Provides coverage for unexpected medical costs

Cons

• Limited benefits and does not cover pre-existing conditions
• Not comprehensive; lacks ACA-compliant benefits
• May require a medical questionnaire or screening

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and CHIP are government-sponsored programs designed to provide affordable health insurance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP varies by state, but if you fall within certain income thresholds, you may qualify regardless of the open enrollment period.

Pros

• Comprehensive health benefits similar to ACA plans
• Low or no monthly premiums
• Coverage for individuals of all ages with qualifying income levels

Cons

• Limited to income-qualifying individuals and families
• Availability and eligibility vary by state

Health Insurance Through Employment or Family

If you’re employed or have family members with health insurance, you may be able to join their group health insurance plan. Employer-based health insurance offers robust coverage and may even provide lower premiums than marketplace options.

Some employers offer a limited open enrollment period, even after the annual period ends, for employees who missed the initial window.

Pros

• Lower premiums due to employer contributions
• Comprehensive benefits, often including dental and vision coverage
• Stable long-term coverage without the need for renewal

Cons

• Limited to those with access to employer plans or family members with group plans
• Enrollment may still be restricted if not within the employer’s allowed timeframe

COBRA Coverage

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows employees to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance for a limited time after losing their job.

This option is available only to individuals who were enrolled in their employer’s health plan before losing it.

Pros

• Maintains the same level of coverage as the previous employer-sponsored plan
• Provides access to group benefits for up to 18 months

Cons

• Premiums may be much higher, as the individual assumes the full cost
• Only temporary; coverage typically lasts 18-36 months, depending on circumstances

Table: Health Insurance Options After Open Enrollment

Option	Eligibility	Benefits	Drawbacks
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)	Individuals with qualifying life events	Full ACA-compliant coverage	Limited to 60 days post-event
Short-Term Health Insurance	Open to anyone	Affordable, easy to obtain	Limited benefits, no pre-existing condition coverage
Medicaid/CHIP	Low-income individuals and families	Comprehensive, low-cost	Income-based eligibility
Employer-Based Plans	Employees/family members of insured	Comprehensive, often lower premiums	Access limited by employment status
COBRA Coverage	Formerly covered employees	Maintains previous employer’s benefits	High cost, temporary solution

How to Apply for Health Insurance After Open Enrollment

Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll need to gather documentation and complete the application. Here are the basic steps for applying for different types of health insurance after open enrollment.

• For SEP Plans: Visit the ACA marketplace website and select “apply” under the SEP section. You will need to verify your qualifying life event within 60 days and provide documentation, such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, or termination letters.
• For Medicaid or CHIP: Visit your state’s Medicaid website or the federal Medicaid portal. The application typically includes questions about income, household size, and other qualifying details.
• For Employer-Based Plans: Contact your HR department to inquire about adding yourself to the plan. Many employers allow you to sign up outside of open enrollment after a qualifying life event.
• For COBRA Coverage: You should receive a notice from your former employer explaining your COBRA options within 14 days after your last day of coverage.

FAQs

Q1: Can I get health insurance after open enrollment?

Yes, you can get health insurance after open enrollment through options such as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), Medicaid, CHIP, short-term plans, or COBRA coverage.

Q2: How long does a SEP last?

A SEP typically lasts for 60 days following a qualifying life event. During this time, you must complete the application and provide necessary documentation.

Q3: Are short-term health plans a good alternative to marketplace insurance?

Short-term plans can be a viable temporary solution but lack essential benefits found in ACA-compliant plans. They may be useful in emergencies or when traditional health insurance is temporarily unavailable.

Q4: What are some qualifying life events for SEP eligibility?

Examples include marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoption, moving to a new state, or loss of job-based insurance.

Q5: Can I apply for Medicaid anytime?

Yes, Medicaid and CHIP applications are open year-round. Eligibility is based on income and varies by state.