Quick Answer: A Special Enrollment Period is a 60-day window in 2026 to enroll outside the annual OEP, triggered by a qualifying life event. Common triggers: lost job coverage, lost Medicaid, married, divorced, baby, moved to a new state. If you lost [Medicaid coverage](/medicaid-income-limits) during 2026 unwinding, you have a 90-day SEP through HealthCare.gov. Check [ACA subsidy eligibility](/aca-income-limits) when you apply , your income may now qualify you for a [PTC](/glossary/premium-tax-credit).
Qualifying life events that trigger a 2026 SEP
The most common qualifying events that open a 60-day SEP, sourced from HealthCare.gov. If you just lost your job and health insurance, that is the most common trigger. Turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan also starts the clock, as does getting married or having a baby:
- Lost job-based health coverage
- Lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage (90-day SEP for unwinding)
- Got married or divorced
- Had or adopted a baby
- Moved to a new ZIP code or state
- Income changed enough to affect subsidy or Medicaid eligibility
- Gained US citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Released from incarceration
- Turned 26 and aged off a parent's plan
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 2026 SEP window?
Usually 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. Some events extend longer: losing Medicaid during 2026 unwinding gives you 90 days through HealthCare.gov; marriage gives 60 days from the wedding date. Missing the deadline means waiting until the next Open Enrollment Period.
Can I get the Premium Tax Credit during a SEP?
Yes. Subsidy rules don't change during a SEP. Check the 2026 [ACA income limits](/aca-income-limits) , if your household earns between 100% and 400% of the [Federal Poverty Level](/federal-poverty-level) and you aren't eligible for affordable employer coverage, the PTC is available.
What documents do I need to prove a SEP qualifying event?
Most events require proof within 30 days of selecting a plan. Marketplace acceptable documents include a letter of termination from your old plan, a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, a lease agreement showing the move, or a notice of lost Medicaid. Upload through HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace portal.
Does losing job-based coverage trigger a SEP if I quit voluntarily?
Yes. Voluntary or involuntary, the SEP applies. You have 60 days from the date coverage ends. COBRA is one option but is usually more expensive than a Marketplace plan with subsidies. Compare both at HealthCare.gov before deciding.
