Here's How Special Enrollment Periods Work (And Who Offers Them)
6 minutes
Life doesn’t always stick to a schedule, and thankfully, some benefits don’t either. Whether you missed an enrollment deadline or your circumstances suddenly changed, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) can give you a second chance to sign up for important benefits.
These time-limited windows are your opportunity to get covered under programs like Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, or even SNAP, without waiting for the next open enrollment cycle.
Special Enrollment Periods exist to protect people going through big life changes (like losing a job, getting married, or having a baby) so they don’t lose access to healthcare or other essential supports.
Understanding how these periods work can help you act fast and avoid gaps in coverage or benefits.
BenefitKarma helps you stay informed about when and how to apply for various benefits, so you don’t miss your chance. Sign up today!
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a limited timeframe when you can apply for or change certain benefits outside of the usual enrollment window. During this period, which is usually triggered by a qualifying life event, you can submit a new application or update your existing coverage.
For example, if you lose employer health insurance, you may qualify for a 60-day SEP to enroll in a Marketplace health plan. Some programs have automatic SEPs, while others require you to report changes and verify eligibility.
Why would someone use this period?
People use SEPs when they experience life events that change their eligibility or coverage status. Common examples include:
Losing job-based or other qualifying coverage
Moving to a new state or ZIP code
Getting married or divorced
Having or adopting a child
Gaining or losing dependent status
Becoming eligible for Medicaid or Medicare
Using an SEP ensures you don’t have to wait months for the next open enrollment. It’s a vital safety net that keeps your healthcare, food assistance, or other benefits uninterrupted during major transitions.
Which programs have Special Enrollment Periods?
Many major benefit programs have SEPs that let you enroll or make changes outside standard timelines. The rules and qualifying events differ, but acting quickly is key; most SEPs last only 30 to 60 days.
ACA Marketplace Health Insurance
If you miss the annual Open Enrollment (typically November-January), you may still qualify for an SEP if you’ve lost coverage, moved, married, or had a baby. You generally have 60 days from the life event to apply through HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace. Be prepared to upload documentation verifying your qualifying event.
RELATED: How do ACA Subsidies work?
Medicare
Medicare offers SEPs for those who lose employer coverage, move out of their plan’s service area, or become newly eligible due to disability. Each SEP has specific rules; for example, you may have eight months to enroll after losing employer-sponsored coverage. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for details on your specific situation.
RELATED: How to sign up for Medicare
Medicaid and CHIP
Unlike most programs, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) accept applications year-round. However, changes in income or household size can trigger an SEP that lets you adjust coverage or switch plans. You can apply or update information anytime through your state’s Medicaid office.
RELATED: How to sign up for Medicaid
SNAP (Food Stamps)
While SNAP doesn’t have an annual open enrollment, there are SEP-like opportunities when your income, household size, or expenses change. Reporting these updates right away can increase your monthly benefit amount or keep your case active if your situation changes.
Employer-Sponsored Benefits
If you get benefits through your job, most employers allow a 30-day SEP after a major life event like marriage, divorce, or a birth, to add or remove dependents. Contact your HR department or benefits administrator for your company’s rules and deadlines.
Additionally, if you lose your employer-sponsored benefits, you can immediately apply for COBRA — which is entirely built on "special enrollment" periods.