Did you know that some events may qualify you to enroll in private health insurance coverage through the new health insurance Marketplace outside of the usual open enrollment period? Getting married, having a baby, relocating to a new state, experiencing a change in income, or losing existing health coverage are called qualifying life events. People who experience a qualifying life event are permitted a special enrollment period, typically about 60 days following the event, to enroll and select a plan.

Some individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness or those living with HIV/AIDS, may be eligible for the Medicaid program in their state. People can apply for Medicaid at any point. There is no open enrollment period, so people do not need to experience a qualifying life event before applying for Medicaid. People can apply by contacting their state Medicaid program directly or by filling out an application through the Marketplace in their state. 

Visit HUD’s OneCPD Affordable Care Act page for more information.