A qualifying event can be a change in life that qualifies you for enrollment in a different health plan, outside of a regular open enrollment period. Some of these qualifying events include moving, adopting children, or having a birth.
The birth of a newborn is one thing that every new parent should do. This is also the time to think about what type of insurance coverage will work best for you and your family. If you're on a health insurance plan with a large deductible, adding your newborn to the coverage can help lower your overall costs.
Special enrollment periods may be triggered by major life changes, giving you more flexibility to choose a plan. These special periods of enrollment can take place at any time throughout the year. They allow you to pick a plan as long as 60 days are left before a qualifying event such a birth or marriage.
Loss of coverage is a qualifying event
Losing minimum essential coverage is the most common event that triggers a special registration period. You must show proof that you lost your coverage if, for example, you got divorced.
A special enrollment period can also be created if there are other qualifying events. An example is if your plan ends when you reach 26. Turning 26 means you can no longer get the same type of coverage you had as a young adult.
New Job is a Qualifying Event
You can expect to get a special enrollment window if you start a new position. This will allow you to enroll in employer-based insurance. You will need to wait until next open enrollment to get your employer's coverage if you decide to buy your own.
Change in Residence is a Qualifying Event
If Gwen moves from Miami to Philadelphia with her children, she may be able to sign up for a new plan to help protect her and her family's health. This could save her money since she will not have to pay for the insurance premiums she would have had to pay if they stayed at their old house.
Divorce qualifies as a qualifying event
Max, 25-year-old Brooklyn man who is divorced from his spouse, can enroll in another plan in order to make sure that he, his children, and their health care needs are met. Reviewing your Anthem coverage options is a great idea, since many insurance companies offer flexible plans to accommodate changing circumstances.
A few exceptions are if you're a new student who doesn't yet have any dependents, or if you have a special enrollment period already in place. If you're a member of a religious congregation, you may have additional exceptions that make you eligible for a special enrollment period.