Missed Open Enrollment? You Still Have Options
So… you missed it! Whether you didn’t see the ads, got busy, or simply didn’t realize Open Enrollment was ending, you’re now stuck either without coverage or with a plan that doesn’t meet your needs.
Good news: you still have options. You may just need to meet a few requirements or make a short-term adjustment until the next enrollment window opens. Let’s go over what you can do.
Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (Qualified Coverage)
The government knows that life doesn’t always fit neatly into a calendar. That’s why there’s something called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — a personalized window of time that opens just for you based on certain life events.
If you qualify, you can shop for and enroll in a qualified health plan that covers essential benefits just like those available during Open Enrollment.
You may qualify for an SEP if you’ve recently:
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Moved to a new state
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Got married or divorced
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Had or adopted a child
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Placed a child in foster care
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Lost your job (and your health coverage)
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Experienced the death of someone on your current plan
To use an SEP, you’ll need official documentation proving your qualifying event. For example, if you moved to a new state, you’ll need proof of your new address. If you lost your job, you’ll need a letter or termination notice from your employer or insurer.
In short, it’s not too late! If you can document your life change and meet the eligibility requirements, you can still get comprehensive coverage — even after Open Enrollment has ended.
Get a New Job with Group Insurance (Qualified Coverage)
This option isn’t accessible or practical for everyone, but it’s worth mentioning: a new job that offers health benefits can give you access to group coverage outside of Open Enrollment.
If you get a new position, just make sure to check when your benefits start. Some employers offer health coverage on your first day, while others require you to work 30–90 days before your plan begins. Being aware and planning ahead can help you avoid gaps in coverage.
Get a Short-Term Medical Plan (Not Qualified Coverage)
If you don’t qualify for an SEP and don’t have access to employer coverage, you can look into short-term medical insurance.
Short-term plans provide temporary coverage — often for a few months — while you’re between jobs or waiting for the next Open Enrollment. Because they’re not required to meet federal coverage standards, short-term plans are usually more affordable, but they come with important limitations.
Short-term plans typically do not cover:
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Maternity care
In other words, these plans are designed for emergencies and unexpected illnesses, not for comprehensive, long-term care.
Get a Fixed Indemnity Plan (Not Qualified Coverage)
A fixed indemnity plan is another type of unqualified coverage. These plans pay you a set amount of money for certain medical services — for example, a fixed payment per doctor visit or hospital stay.
Unlike traditional insurance, there are no deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums to meet. Your benefits start the moment your plan does. However, because it’s not comprehensive coverage, you’ll still be responsible for many costs that an ACA-compliant plan would normally cover. Think of a fixed indemnity plan more like a healthcare service discount than real insurance.
In Conclusion
If you missed Open Enrollment, you might not be eligible for a qualified health plan right now — but that doesn’t mean you’re without options. Between Special Enrollment Periods, employer coverage, short-term medical plans, and fixed indemnity coverage, you can still find a plan that fits your needs until the next enrollment window opens.
Have Health Insurance Questions?
We hope that this information on how to get coverage after Open Enrollment was helpful for you.
Insurance is oftentimes overwhelming, and we want to shed light on the industry by answering your questions. Comment below and your question may be the topic of our next post!
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This article was updated on October 21, 2025.