When is the Special Enrollment Period?
The Special Enrollment Period is a time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time.
The Special Enrollment Period of the Health Insurance Marketplace runs from January 16, 2023, to October 31, 2023. If you missed the enrollment window, you may still be eligible to enroll for coverage.
If you’re unsure if you qualify for coverage under the Special Enrollment Period, we encourage you to contact a Marketplace Navigator, to see if there is anything we can do to help.
New Special Enrollment Period Changes (2022)
New changes to the special enrollment period, grant year-round enrollment in ACA-compliant health insurance to some applicants if household income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Coverage will take effect the first of the following month.
There are no restrictions on how often this special enrollment period can be used or the type of health plan that can be chosen. A person with an eligible household income who is already enrolled in an exchange plan can utilize this SEP to switch plans, albeit the deductible and out-of-pocket expenditure for the year will be reset to $0 when the new plan begins.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Adjusted to 150%
In Florida, 150 percent of the poverty threshold equates to an annual salary of no more than $19,320 for a single person enrolling in coverage for 2022.
- $19,320 for individuals
- $26,130 for a family of 2
- $32,940 for a family of 3
- $39,750 for a family of 4
- $46,560 for a family of 5
- $53,370 for a family of 6
- $60,180 for a family of 7
- $66,990 for a family of 8
Qualifying for Coverage
The Special Enrollment Period is available to those who have experienced one of the following life events in the past 60 days:
- Lost coverage through a job for any reason including retirement, being laid off, being fired, death of a spouse, death of a parent, or loss of COBRA.
- Lost Medicaid, Florida Kidcare, Medicaid Share of Cost, or premium-free Medicare.
- Moved to another country, state, or from overseas.
- Gained employment such that you now qualify for Marketplace financial assistance.
- Turned 26 and aged off your parents’ health plan.
- Lost a student health plan.
- Gave birth to a child or adopted.
- Got married or got divorced, either of which affected your health coverage.
- Had a change in immigration status that made you newly eligible for the Marketplace.
- Were released from incarceration.
For a complete list of qualifying circumstances, or help to determine if you meet these, visit the Healthcare.gov Special Enrollment Period screener tool.
