It’s important to enroll in health insurance so that you and your family are covered, so if you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may still have options. If you’re going to start searching for a plan, ask yourself these questions before you buy.

Special Enrollment Period
Your other option for getting coverage depends on if you qualify for a  special enrollment period . This allows you to enroll in or change your long-term health insurance plan. To be eligible for special enrollment, you must have recently gone through a qualifying life event. Just a few of these life events include:

• Moving to a new area that offers you different plans, or isn't covered by your HMO network
• Getting married
• Having or adopting a child
• Becoming a U.S. citizen

View a full list of qualifying life events.  

Generally, you have 60 days after the qualifying life event to enroll or change to a different plan. If you have insurance through your job, you may only have 30 days to enroll.

Learn more about Special Enrollment.

Enrollment at Any Time
Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. There is no special enrollment period for these government-offered coverage options; you can apply at any time.

Members of American Indian tribes also can enroll any month, not just during open enrollment.

Phew! That’s a lot of information! Feel free to ask any remaining questions below in the comments!