Outside of Open Enrollment, you can generally change your individual health insurance plan only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on a qualifying life event (QLE).
What is a qualifying life event (QLE)?
A qualifying life event is a change in your circumstances that may allow you to enroll in or change individual health insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment period.
Common qualifying life events include:
Loss of other health insurance coverage
Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Permanent move to a new coverage area
Other qualifying events recognized by the Health Insurance Marketplace or your insurance carrier
Eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period is determined by the Marketplace or your insurance carrier.
How do I change my health insurance after a QLE?
If you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period:
Enroll in a new health insurance plan through the Marketplace, insurance carrier, or licensed insurance agent.
Complete any required enrollment documentation.
Update your health insurance information in the Take Command Member Portal.
Upload proof of coverage for your new plan.
Submit any additional documentation requested to verify your eligibility.
Your reimbursement eligibility is updated after your new proof of coverage has been approved.
What documentation may be required?
Depending on your qualifying life event, you may need documentation supporting:
Your qualifying life event
Your new health insurance enrollment
Your new proof of coverage
The Marketplace, insurance carrier, and Take Command may request different documentation for different purposes.
What if I don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
If you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you generally must wait until the next Open Enrollment period to change individual health insurance plans.
When does this article not apply?
This article applies only to changing health insurance outside of Open Enrollment because of a qualifying life event.
It does not explain routine plan changes during the annual Open Enrollment period.
Key takeaway
A qualifying life event may allow you to change health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. After enrolling in your new plan, update your insurance information and upload proof of coverage through your Take Command Member Portal.