The following ACA special enrollment periods chart outlines how long the enrollment period is after different qualifying events.
As of 2014, consumers can only enroll in guaranteed-issue individual health insurance during specific open enrollment periods and special enrollment periods. This includes qualified health plans (QHPs) bought through the health insurance marketplaces ("On-Exchange") and outside the marketplace ("Off-Exchange").
A qualifying event makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. If you have a qualifying event you can enroll in individual health insurance outside of the annual open enrollment period for a period of time as listed below.
Chart of ACA Special Enrollment Periods
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Qualifying Event
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Enrollment Period
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Applicable to both Marketplace and Non-Marketplace (On and Off-Exchange) Policies
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Gaining/losing a dependent through birth/adoption/foster care/placement for adoption
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60 days after the event
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Gaining a dependent through marriage
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60 days after the event
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Loss of eligible coverage from legal seperation/divorce, cessation of dependent status (aging out), death, or termination or reduction of working hours with employer
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60 days after the event
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Loss of coverage through an HMO due to relocation to a new service area.
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60 days after the event
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Incurs claim that meets or exceeds lifetime limits on all benefits
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60 days after the event
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COBRA coverage ends
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60 days after the event
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Employer ceases contributions either to subscriber or dependents
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60 days after the event
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Permanent move (to a region where new plans are available)
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60 days after the event
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Newly eligible/ineligible for advanced payments of tax credits or change in eligibility from cost-sharing reductions
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60 days after the event
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Qualified Health Plan (QHP) substantially violates a material provision of its contract
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60 days after the event
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Enrollment in QHP is made in error
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60 days after the event
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Loss of Minimum Essential Health Coverage (Not including loss of coverage because of failure to make premium payment)
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60 days before and after the event
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Applicable to Non-Marketplace (Off-Exchange) Policies Only
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Enrollment in non-calendar year policy ends
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30 days prior to the end of the policy
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Applicable to Marketplace (On-Exchange) Policies Only
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Native American status
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60 days after the event
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Attaining citizenship
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60 days after the event
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Demonstration of exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Exchange
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60 days after the event
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Read more about the ACA special enrollment periods and qualifying life events:
