Typically, individuals are permitted to sign on with an insurance provider to secure health insurance at a specific time of year—whether insurance is purchased through an employer or on your own. If you miss the designated enrollment period, you might have to wait another year to acquire medical coverage. The exception is a qualifying life event (QLE). Here’s a guide to developments that affect when you can enroll.

What Are Qualifying Life Events?

A QLE is a life event that affects your existing health insurance coverage. Getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, and the death of a spouse are OLEs. A dependent child who turns 26 is also a QLE because they’re no longer eligible for coverage under a parent’s policy.

Many health insurance providers also consider moving as a QLE. Relocating to another city, transitioning from full-time to seasonal work, or moving into or out of a shelter, may affect existing coverage. Becoming a United States citizen and discharge from prison may also be a QLE.

What Is Special Enrollment?

If you have experienced a qualifying event, you are typically eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan or update your coverage outside the open-enrollment period. You’ll usually have a month or two to change coverage options or enroll with a new provider during special enrollment. 

Maintaining health insurance ensures you and your loved ones are compensated for covered medical expenses. At Farmers Insurance Group in Mountain Grove, MO, we’ll gladly answer your questions about QLEs and special enrollment periods. With more than 15 years of experience, our goal is to provide you with customized options that fit your lifestyle and budget. Please call us at (417) 926-7900 if you need a quote or assistance with a QLE. You can also connect with us on Facebook to learn more about our agency.