Some say the year they turned 26 was the best year of their life, for others, not so much. Either way, turning 26 is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that could make someone eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows individuals and families to enroll in health insurance coverage outside of Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing insurance plan if you are already enrolled with Your Health Idaho. This means if your year doesn’t go as planned, at least you’re covered.
Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals may stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until the age of 26. Upon turning 26, individuals have an opportunity to seek coverage through their employer (if available) or on the Exchange.
Verification is required for a Special Enrollment Period. For those who turned 26 within the last 60 days, acceptable documentation is proof of previous coverage and current age.
Other examples of Qualifying Life Events that may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period include birth and adoption, loss of coverage, marriage or divorce, and other special circumstances such as gaining U.S. citizenship.
If you believe you have a Qualifying Life Event that might be eligible for an Special Enrollment Period, you have 60 days from the date of your event to complete the following:
- Report your QLE
- Provide documentation to prove the event and enrollment eligibility
- Select and enroll in a plan
To learn more about SEPs, visit our Special Enrollment page. To report a change, log in to you Your Health Idaho account or call 1-855-944-3246.
Need Assistance?
A unique feature available only through Your Health Idaho, is access to free expert help for all customers interested in enrolling on the exchange. Agents, brokers, and enrollment counselors are available to assist you with creating an account, getting financial assistance, and ultimately choosing the right plan for you.
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