Health Care What Life Events Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period Under the Affordable Care Act Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam Published Jun 6, 2014 - [Updated Jun 11, 2014] 2 min read The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” requires most Americans to have health insurance coverage this year. While the deadline was March 31st to enroll via the Health Insurance Marketplace, there are some circumstances which qualify people for a special enrollment period. This allows individuals to purchase private health plans through the marketplace outside of the open enrollment period. You may qualify for a special 60-day enrollment period if you experience one of these qualifying life events during the year: Family status change: A change in family structure through marriage or divorce, having a baby, or adopting a child. Change citizenship status: If you become a U.S. citizen, national, or gain lawful status. Exceptional Circumstance: You faced a serious unexpected medical condition or natural disaster that kept you from enrolling. Indian tribal status: Becoming a member of an Indian tribe, which allows you to sign up for or change plans once a month. Move to a new coverage area: If you permanently move to a new area and gain access to new qualified health plans. Loss of coverage: Losing job-based coverage, getting divorced, COBRA plan expiration or aging off a parent’s plan (when you turn 26), or if you lose coverage that meets minimum government standards. College grads: If you are a recent college grad and your student health plan is ending. If already enrolled in marketplace coverage: A change in income through a promotion, change in profession or household status that affects your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. Victim of domestic abuse: You’re a victim of domestic abuse and previously weren’t allowed to enroll and receive advance premium tax credits separately from your spouse. If you think you qualify for a special enrollment period, you can start by filling out a Marketplace application. If you are eligible for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the special enrollment period, you may still be eligible for a premium tax credit or lower out-of-pocket costs that reduce the amount you pay for health insurance even though you are applying outside of the deadline. There are also complex situations related to applying in the Marketplace that may make you eligible for a special 60 day enrollment period. If you don’t appear to qualify for a special enrollment period, or if you apply and the Marketplace says you don’t qualify, you can appeal a decision to deny you a special enrollment period. The open enrollment period for 2015 coverage begins on November 15, 2014. Have more questions about life events and open enrollment? TurboTax Health is here to answer your questions to help you understand how the new health care law impacts you. Previous Post Who Qualifies for a Penalty Exemption Under the Affordable Care… Next Post Missed the Enrollment Deadline? Here’s How to Get Health Insurance Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam More from TurboTaxBlogTeam Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax Help How to File a Business Tax Extension: Deadlines, Forms, and Penalties Tax Tips The White Lotus Tax Lessons: Navigating Gift Taxes, Lump Sum Payouts, Hush Money, and the IRS Tax Questions What Day Are Taxes Due? April 15! How to File for a Tax Extension or Pay Taxes Online Tax Questions What Happens If You File Your Taxes Wrong? Late Filing Penalties, Interest, and More Tax Questions What’s Tax Deductible? A Guide to Mortgage Interest, Long-Term Care, Funeral Expenses, Student Loans, and Roth IRA Contributions Tax Questions Is it Better to Get Your Taxes Done or Do Them Yourself? (And Other Tax Questions Answered) Tax Forms What is a 1099-K Form? How to Report Payments on Your Tax Return (2024) Tax Forms What is a 1099 Form? A Guide to Understanding Your Tax Obligations Income Tax by State Wisconsin State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide Income Tax by State West Virginia State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide