The initial open enrollment period in the Health Insurance Marketplace closed on March 31, 2014 and the next open enrollment period will be between November 15, 2014 and February 15, 2015. But did you know that some life events may qualify you to enroll in private health insurance coverage through the Marketplace outside of the open enrollment period?

Special Enrollment Periods

Getting married, having a baby, relocating to a new state, experiencing a change in income, or losing existing health coverage are all considered qualifying life events. People who experience a qualifying life event are permitted a special enrollment period, typically about 60 days following the event, to enroll and select a plan. Learn more about how you can apply for coverage due to these life events by visiting HealthCare.gov.

No Limited Enrollment Period for Medicaid

In addition, some individuals, including those living with HIV/AIDS, may be eligible for the Medicaid program in their state. There is no open enrollment period for Medicaid. Eligible people can apply for Medicaid at any point. If you qualify, your coverage can begin immediately. And even if you were told you didn't qualify for Medicaid in the past, you may qualify under the new rules.

You can apply for Medicaid by filling out an application online or by contacting the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more, see HealthCare.gov’s Do I Quality for Medicaid?