The open enrollment period for health insurance is a designated time frame each year when individuals and families can sign up for or make changes to their healthcare coverage. But what happens if you miss this window? Is there a way to sign up for healthcare after the enrollment season? 

Fortunately, if you find yourself without medical insurance after the deadline, you may have other options. Explore alternatives for missed open enrollment, including short-term plans, exceptions to the rule, and Medicaid or CHIP eligibility. 

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the annual period when individuals can sign up for health insurance or adjust their current plans. It is typically held between November and January. This period applies to both government marketplace plans and employer-provided health insurance. 

If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you’ll typically need to wait until the next enrollment period to sign up or change your plan. Usually, only qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows an exception to this rule.

Qualifying for Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A SEP allows you to sign up for health insurance outside the annual enrollment period. To qualify, you’ll need to have experienced a qualifying life event. Examples include:

• Lose health coverage. Situations like job loss, ending Medicaid eligibility, or reaching the end of a policy term without renewal create an enrollment opportunity.

• Change in household size. Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having or adopting a child allow you to adjust your health plan.

• Move to a new residence. Relocating to a different ZIP code, county, or state, or moving to or from school or seasonal work qualifies for new enrollment.

• Experience specific life changes. Events like gaining U.S. citizenship, leaving incarceration, or other eligibility changes open up enrollment options.

You generally have 60 days before or after the date of your qualifying life event to enroll in a new health plan. Missing this window means waiting until the next sign-up or exploring other alternatives, like short-term health insurance plans, to get coverage.

Missed Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Health Insurance Options 

So, can you get health insurance anytime, regardless of the enrollment period? While the usual enrollment windows set limits, there are ways to find a plan if needed sooner. Explore these options to keep essential health benefits year-round: 

Short-Term Health Insurance Plans

Private short-term coverage provides temporary health insurance that you can enroll in at any time, even outside the standard period. Depending on your state's rules, these plans typically last a few months to a year and may have lower monthly premiums. 

While short-term policies help with minimum essential coverages, they generally don’t cover pre-existing conditions and aren’t meant to replace a comprehensive plan. However, they can fill the gap until you can sign up for an affordable private health insurance plan with full benefits. 

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and CHIP offer year-round enrollment for low-income individuals and families who qualify, skipping the wait for open enrollment. Qualifying for Medicaid provides access to health benefits like doctor visits, hospital care, and preventive services at little to no out-of-pocket cost. You can apply for both Medicaid and CHIP through your state’s Medicaid office or online any time of year. 

COBRA Continuation Coverage

Continuation of Health Coverages (COBRA) allows individuals who lose their job-based health insurance to continue their existing plan temporarily, regardless of open enrollment periods. Although COBRA can be costly since you pay the entire premium, it keeps you on the same benefits as your employer’s plan. It provides continuity of care for up to 18-36 months while you secure a new healthcare policy.

Health Insurance for Small Business Owners

Entrepreneurs who are starting a business or transitioning from freelance work may be able to enroll in health insurance for small businesses outside of open enrollment. These plans can cover the owner, their family, and employees, addressing medical conditions, preventive care, and prescription needs.  

Private plans may also offer tax credits and deductions, such as health savings account contributions and medical expense deductions. These can reduce business costs while ensuring access to essential benefits.

Find Coverage After the Standard Enrollment Window With United National Healthcare

Do you need health insurance outside of yearly enrollment? United National Healthcare offers private health insurance plans that meet various needs, including policies for small businesses and short-term health insurance for those seeking immediate medical benefits. 

With these flexible plans, you can secure protection for yourself, your family, or your employees now and switch to a long-term option when the next enrollment period opens. 

Still wondering if you can buy private health insurance at any time? Speak to a representative at United National Healthcare today. We’ll walk you through your options and provide a free quote so you can stay covered.