Open enrollment for 2016 health coverage has come and gone. It ended on January 31st. For most people, the only time you can get health insurance or change your health insurance plan is during open enrollment. The next open enrollment will not occur until November 1, 2016, and this will be for insurance coverage starting 2017. Notice I said for most people. There are qualifying life events that allow a person to get coverage outside of open enrollment. A qualifying life event makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. A few of the more common events are:

• Getting married is one of the most common qualifying events
• Having a child or adopting a child is another common qualifying event
• Moving into the state of Maryland or moving to an area not covered by your current plan
• Becoming ineligible for Medicaid Losing your current health coverage for just any reason other than non-payment of premium

These are just a few of the more common reasons people may be eligible for a special enrollment period. There are several other reasons. If you are unsure and think you may be eligible for a special enrollment period, then please give us a call. We will be happy to help you determine if you are eligible.