Special Enrollment Periods in 2026: What to Know After Open Enrollment Ends

Navigating the health insurance landscape can be challenging—especially when life doesn’t stick to a calendar. Now that the Open Enrollment Period for 2026 coverage has ended, many people assume their opportunity to enroll or make changes has passed. That’s not always the case.

Enter the Special Enrollment Period (SEP): a window outside of Open Enrollment that allows eligible individuals and families to enroll in or change health coverage after certain qualifying life events. Whether you’ve experienced a major life change or live in a state offering additional enrollment flexibility, understanding how SEPs work can help ensure you don’t go without coverage.

What Is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to sign up for health insurance—or adjust your existing plan—outside the annual Open Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event. In most cases, you have 60 days from the date of the event to take action.

Below are some of the most common situations that may make you eligible.

Common Qualifying Life Events

Loss of Health Coverage

You may qualify for an SEP if you or someone in your household loses health coverage, including:

• Job loss: Losing employer-sponsored coverage due to voluntary or involuntary termination.
• Aging out of a parent’s plan: Turning 26 and no longer being eligible for coverage under a parent or guardian’s plan.
• Expiration of COBRA: COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows temporary continuation of employer coverage after certain events. When COBRA coverage ends, individuals are typically eligible for an SEP through the Marketplace.
• Loss of Medicaid or CHIP: Losing eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) could qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Household Changes

Changes to your family structure can also trigger an SEP, including:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth, adoption, or foster care placement
• Death of a household member who was part of your health plan

These events often change coverage needs and eligibility for financial assistance.

Relocation

Moving can affect your access to plans and providers. You may qualify for an SEP if you:

• Move to a new ZIP code or county
• Move to or from the U.S. or a U.S. territory
• Are a student moving to or from the place you attend school
• Are a seasonal worker moving to or from the place you live and work
• Move to or from transitional housing, such as a shelter

Other Qualifying Events

Additional circumstances that may open an SEP include:

• Changes in household income that affect eligibility for coverage or savings
• Gaining or losing eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions
• Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or becoming an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder (who may enroll or change plans monthly)
• Errors, misrepresentation, or inaction by an insurer or enrollment assister
• Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawful presence
• Release from incarceration

How to Apply

The majority of other SEPs, enrollments are completed through your state’s health insurance marketplace or HealthCare.gov, depending on where you live. You’ll typically need to attest to—or provide documentation of—the qualifying life event and complete your application within the required timeframe.

Conclusion

Life doesn’t wait for Open Enrollment—and health coverage shouldn’t have to either. Whether you’ve experienced a major life change or live in a state offering expanded enrollment options, Special Enrollment Periods exist to help ensure continued access to coverage.

If you think you may qualify, act quickly. Staying informed about your options can make all the difference in protecting your health and financial security in 2026.