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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.

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