Losing job-based or other coverage
Losing coverage from a job, a parent's plan, Medicaid or CHIP, or a plan that's ending usually qualifies. Losing it because you didn't pay premiums, or because you dropped it on purpose, doesn't count.
COBRA lets you keep your job's plan, usually for up to 18 months, but you pay the full cost. A Marketplace plan often costs less. You can choose a Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing job coverage even if you start COBRA, but dropping COBRA later in the year doesn't open a new window.
Moving
Moving to a new ZIP code or county can qualify if you had qualifying coverage for at least one day in the 60 days before the move. A short stay, like a vacation, doesn't count. People moving from another country or a U.S. territory may qualify without prior coverage.
Getting married
Marriage qualifies if at least one of you had qualifying coverage for at least one day in the 60 days before the wedding. Coverage can start the first day of the month after you pick a plan.
Having or adopting a baby
A birth, adoption, foster care placement, or court-ordered coverage for a child qualifies. Coverage can start the day of the event, even if you enroll later within the 60 days.
Turning 26
Coverage on a parent's plan usually ends at 26. Losing it qualifies, so you can pick your own plan. Apply up to 60 days before it ends to avoid a gap.
Divorce or legal separation
Divorce qualifies only if you lose health coverage because of it, such as coverage through a spouse's job. The divorce by itself doesn't open a window.
Your income changed
Report income changes to the Marketplace so your tax credit stays right. Starting with 2026 coverage there's no limit on paying back extra credit. If you already have a Marketplace plan and the change makes you newly eligible for savings, you may be able to switch plans.
Turning 65
Most people move to Medicare at 65. Your first chance to sign up is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday month. Once you're enrolled in premium-free Medicare Part A, the Marketplace tax credit ends, so time the switch carefully. We can help.
Going self-employed
Starting your own work doesn't open a window by itself, but leaving a job's health plan does. Self-employed people can often deduct their premiums; ask your tax preparer.
Coverage for the self-employed
Losing Medicaid or CHIP
Losing Medicaid or CHIP qualifies. You have 60 days after it ends to pick a Marketplace plan, and the tax credit may lower the cost.