Reference Chart:
February 2023

SEP Resources

Generally, people can only enroll in a marketplace plan or switch plans on HealthCare.gov during the annual open enrollment period, which begins on November 1st each year. But people who experience certain life events during the year (such as getting married, losing job-based insurance, etc.) are able to newly enroll in a plan or switch plans outside of open enrollment through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

It’s important to note that people who are eligible for Medicaid can enroll at any time during the year.

SEP Reference Chart

This reference chart is a comprehensive guide to SEPs. It covers the circumstances that trigger a SEP in the marketplace, the eligibility criteria for various SEPs, and the effective date of coverage once a health plan is selected.

View Chart

FAQ: Low-Income SEP

There is a new SEP available as of March 2022 that gives people with low income the opportunity to enroll in a marketplace plan outside of open enrollment.
This FAQ explains who is eligible for the new SEP and how to access it.

View FAQ

Abbreviated SEP Reference Chart

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis that came about as a result, this abbreviated SEP reference chart provides a list of the most common SEPs used during this time.

View Chart

FAQ: FEMA SEP

People who missed their enrollment window due to COVID-19 can still enroll in marketplace coverage using the “FEMA SEP.” This fact sheet explains what the FEMA SEP is and how it works.

View FAQ

Additional Resources

Webinar: Special Enrollment Periods | View webinar

Minimum Essential Coverage Reference Chart | View chart

Health Reform: Beyond the Basics is a project of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities designed to provide training and resources that explain health coverage available through Medicaid, CHIP, and the Marketplace. It is aimed at navigators, advocates, state and local officials and others who help consumers get and keep their health coverage.

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Beyondthebasics@cbpp.org

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Support for this project was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

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