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Health insurance outside Open Enrollment
After Marketplace Open Enrollment, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan only with a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing coverage, moving, or a household change. Some private plans accept applications in other months.
Marketplace enrollment is limited outside the annual window
HealthCare.gov says that outside the Open Enrollment Period (November 1 through January 15 each year, in states that use HealthCare.gov), you can enroll in or change Marketplace plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life changes.
Common qualifying changes include losing health coverage in the past 60 days or expecting to lose it in the next 60 days; a move to a new ZIP code or county; marriage; the birth or adoption of a child; divorce or legal separation that causes a loss of coverage; and certain other events listed on HealthCare.gov. If you lost Medicaid or CHIP, you may have 90 days. You may have to send documents that confirm the event.
Examples HealthCare.gov highlights
If you get married, you generally pick a plan by the last day of the month for coverage that starts the first day of the next month. If you have a baby or adopt a child, coverage can start the day of the event even if you enroll up to 60 days afterward. Losing job-based coverage, including when COBRA expires, can qualify you; voluntarily dropping COBRA generally does not.
Private plans that accept applications in other months
Some private, off-exchange plans are not tied to the Marketplace calendar and may accept applications in any month. They may be medically underwritten, and they may not include the same essential health benefits or consumer protections as Marketplace coverage. A licensed agent can explain what you can apply for now and when a Special Enrollment Period may be the better path.
Medicaid and CHIP applications are not limited to Open Enrollment. If your income may qualify, apply through HealthCare.gov or your state agency any time.
Common questions
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
It is a window outside Open Enrollment when you can enroll in or change a Marketplace plan because of a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, moving, or adding a dependent. Details and deadlines are on HealthCare.gov.
Can I get private coverage if I do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
Sometimes. Some off-exchange plans accept applications year-round, subject to state and carrier rules and, often, medical underwriting. They are not the same as Marketplace coverage.
Related guides
Reviewed November 13, 2026. Educational only — not insurance, tax or legal advice. This is not a government website.
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