What is a qualifying Life Event (QLE)?

A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.

There are 4 basic types of qualifying life events. (The following are examples, not a full list.)

• Loss of health coverage

  • Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual, and student plans

  • Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP

  • Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan

• Changes in household

  • Getting married or divorced

  • Having a baby or adopting a child

  • Death in the family

• Changes in residence

  • Moving to a different ZIP code or county

  • A student moving to or from the place they attend school

  • A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work

  • Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing

• Other qualifying events

  • Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for

  • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder

  • Becoming a U.S. citizen

  • Leaving incarceration (jail or prison)

  • AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service