Life changes and special enrollment
If you experience a qualifying life event such as loss of health coverage, marriage or change of residence, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period outside open enrollment.
Special Enrollment Period
When open enrollment is over, certain life events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
If you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you usually have 60 days after the event to enroll in a plan. Some life events can be reported 60 days in advance. Some life events require proof to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. To learn more about your eligibility, contact us.
There are four basic types of qualifying life events.
Loss of health coverage
- Losing existing health coverage, including job-based coverage, individual and student plans
- Losing Medicaid or All Kids coverage
- Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent's plan
Changes in household size
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Death in the family
Changes in residence
- A permanent move from another state into Illinois
- A student moving to or from the place they attend school
Other qualifying events
- Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for
- Becoming a U.S. citizen
- Leaving incarceration (jail or prison)
- AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service
Lost Medicaid or All Kids coverage?
If you no longer qualify for Medicaid or All Kids, you may for qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get a plan through Get Covered Illinois. You usually have 90 days to enroll in a new plan. If you have any questions about your Medicaid coverage, go to your ABE account or call 1-800-843-6154.