Special Enrollment Periods

If you are eligible, you’ll need proof of your life event.
 

• Adoption - copy of child’s adoption papers
• Birth - a copy of your child’s birth certificate
• Court Order - copy of your court papers
• Death - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Turning 26 (aging off plan) - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Divorce/legal separation - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Legal guardianship - copy of legal guardianship papers
• Loss of employer - sponsored coverage - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Loss of COBRA (Benefits Exhausted) - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Loss of Medicaid - copy of the Medicaid agency letter explaining your disqualification
• Marriage - your marriage certificate
• Permanent move affecting eligibility - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Termination of employment/reduction of hours - termination explanation from the previous insurer
• Spouse moving to Medicare - proof of prior BCBSND coverage

If you don’t have proof of your event right away, apply for changes anyway—you don’t want to miss your enrollment window. You can send your documentation as soon as you receive it. 

Some changes can be made 60 days before or after the event.

• Loss of employer coverage
• Marriage
• Turning 26
• Move outside your coverage area
   

Others can be only 60 days after the event.

• Divorce
• Birth or Adoption
• Death
  
  

These are government guidelines, so they change from time to time. Check with an agent if you have questions. 

You may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance coverage. This starts in November of each year.

Yes, if you qualify for special enrollment, you can switch to a different plan.

A tax credit provided by the government helps individuals and families pay for health insurance. If you meet the qualifications for a tax credit, you can get a quote and apply during your special enrollment period. An agent can help you with the process. 

Making your changes will depend on your current insurance coverage.
 

• If you get insurance through work, contact your employer right away
• If you purchased insurance through BCBSND and need to change your current coverage, contact an agent
• If your life change requires a new plan, you can start a new shopping experience—along the way, you’ll be asked about your life event