The Marketplace just released a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) based on your income.
Outside of Open Enrollment (November 1- December 15), you need a SEP to enroll in health insurance, unlike during Open Enrollment where you can enroll in health insurance without restrictions.
To qualify for a SEP, you also must have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Examples include losing your coverage, moving, or adding a new member to your family.
However, the marketplace has just added a new SEP based on your income and you could qualify to enroll in a plan if your income meets certain criteria based on your household size.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for this SEP if you meet the following criteria:
Please note, eligibility is based on state rules and regulations. Currently, only 39 of 50 states are participating in this SEP, including all 33 states who offer insurance on the healthcare.gov marketplace, and the following states that have individual marketplaces: California, Colorado, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
- The income requirements (see below)
- Are also eligible for tax savings (APTC) based on your income
- Currently don’t have coverage
Income Requirements:
| Family Size | Income |
| 1 | $19,320 |
| 2 | $26,130 |
| 3 | $32,940 |
| 4 | $39,750 |
Who is not eligible?
Although this SEP was created to help more people enroll in coverage, you still may not be eligible to enroll at this time. If your income is over the limits, you cannot take advantage of this SEP and must wait until OEP to enroll in coverage.
How to enroll in this SEP
The best way to enroll with this SEP is to enroll using a broker. They have access to help make an edit to your current enrollment and can also help you choose a new plan if you qualify.