What is a Qualifying Event?
A qualifying event is something that occurs during the year that exempts you from needing to get health coverage during the enrollment period and allows you to sign up despite being outside of the enrollment period - essentially granting you a special enrollment period.
This event is perfectly summed up by the healthcare.gov site as follows: "You qualify for a special enrollment period 60 days following certain life events that involve a change in family status (for example, marriage or birth of a child) or loss of other health coverage."
You can see if your event qualifies as a special enrollment qualifying event by following this link.
What about Medicare and CHIP?
Medicare and the Children's Health Insurance Program is available all year long and is not limited to the enrollment period. If you need assistance signing up for Medicare coverage outside of the open enrollment period then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you navigate the tricky waters of Medicare coverage.
Help! I still need coverage, what can I do?
If you need health insurance before the Fall open enrollment period you will need to contact an insurance carrier directly. You can apply for individual and family health insurance at healthcare.gov.