A QLE (Qualified Life Event) is a “change” in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a (SEP) Special Enrollment Period. Once you qualify for an SEP, you are able to purchase an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan from www.Healthcare.gov.

There are Four Basic Types of Qualifying Life Events

  • Loss of health coverage because of job loss, loss of Medicaid or Medicare, Cobra ending or turning 26 and losing parental coverage
  • Changes in household through marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoption or death of a family member
  • Changes in residence that usually must include a change in zipcode and/or county
  • Other qualifying events such as change in income, citizenship, or leaving incarceration

It is important to know that ACA plans are not your only options when you need new health insurance. You can purchase a private plan that does not require a QLE.

For more information on this topic, feel free to go to https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/

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Kari Saunders