What can individuals do during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

During the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), individuals have the opportunity to enroll in health insurance due to qualifying life events. This period is specifically designed to accommodate people who experience significant life changes, such as getting married, having a baby, losing other health coverage, or moving to a new area. These events trigger the eligibility for enrollment outside of the standard open enrollment period, allowing individuals to obtain necessary coverage that reflects their new circumstances.

This mechanism ensures that people are not left without health insurance when they experience pivotal life changes that affect their needs. Therefore, being able to enroll in health insurance during an SEP is essential for maintaining access to health care, particularly for those who may not qualify for other forms of coverage, like Medicaid, at that time.