Special Enrollment Periods
If you have a big life change, you might qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). This lets you enroll in a plan or change your current plan now. You don’t have to wait for the next open enrollment period.
Don’t wait—most of the time, you have 60 days from the day of the change to enroll.
Common Life Changes
Check the lists below to see if your change qualifies for a special enrollment period.
Changes at Home
- Getting married
- Having a baby
- Family is growing or getting smaller: Adoption, foster care, child support or court order
New Address
Money and Legal Changes
- Making less money: Only applies if you now qualify for help paying for a MNsure plan because your income decreased
- Leaving jail: Released from incarceration
- Citizenship or immigration status changes
Losing Current Insurance
- Losing your health insurance: For example, because you lost your job, your job ended your insurance, you turned 26 and can’t stay on your parent’s plan, or your COBRA ends.
- Special circumstances apply if you lose Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or MinnesotaCare
Other Changes from an Employer
- Your employer stops paying part of your COBRA premium and you must pay the full cost
- You get a new offer for an ICHRA or a QSEHRA from your employer
Special Situations
- Tribal Members: You can enroll or change plans one time per month
- Mistakes: An agency or worker made a mistake that kept you from getting insurance on time
- Special enrollment periods may be available for other special circumstances: For example, domestic abuse, natural disasters, or other circumstances outside of your control
- Note: Your safety is a priority for us. Learn more about Minnesota’s Safe at Home program.
Currently Enrolled
For some life changes, you must already be enrolled in a MNsure plan to qualify for a special enrollment period. These include:
How to Apply for a Special Enrollment Period
If you have a MNsure account, do not create a new one. Simply sign in, use the "Edit Application" button to report your life change, and upload any proof we need.
If you are new to MNsure, follow these steps:
- Apply with free, expert help or do-it-yourself online. Select “Browse for health & dental plans” to get started. When you apply, you’ll find out what type of coverage you’re eligible for.
If you’re eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you can enroll any time of year—no special enrollment period required.
If you’re eligible to a buy a plan through MNsure, keep reading. - Confirm your life change. In your account, click Confirm Event. Pick your life change from the list and enter the date it happened.
- Upload your proof. You will see a page telling you which documents we need—do it right away! Help with uploading documents
- Pick a plan. Once you’re approved, a Shop for Plans button will appear in your account. You can then pick your plan.
- Pay your first bill.
Need Help with a SEP?
MNsure-certified assisters can help with your application and plan selection.