Can I get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment? Yes, you may be able to, depending on your circumstances.
While most people must wait for the annual Open Enrollment Period to enroll in Marketplace health insurance, certain life changes may allow you to enroll at another time. There are also health care options available throughout the year, including Health Care Sharing Programs.
Maybe you recently changed jobs, missed an enrollment deadline, or simply started thinking more seriously about your health care needs. Whatever brought you here, it's important to know that missing Open Enrollment doesn't necessarily mean you're out of options.
Understanding what's available can help you make a thoughtful decision for yourself and your family.
Open Enrollment is the annual period when individuals and families can sign up for or make changes to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace.
For the federal Marketplace, Open Enrollment generally runs from November 1 through January 15, although deadlines may vary by state.
During this time, individuals can review available health insurance options, compare costs, and select an option that meets their needs.
But life doesn't always follow an enrollment calendar.
You might experience a career change in March, welcome a new family member in July, or realize in September that your current health care arrangement no longer fits your budget.
That's why understanding your options outside Open Enrollment is so important.
Yes, but eligibility depends on your circumstances.
If you're interested in Marketplace health insurance after the annual enrollment window closes, you generally need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
A Special Enrollment Period allows eligible individuals to enroll in Marketplace health insurance outside the standard enrollment window because of certain life events.
Examples of qualifying life events may include:
Not every change automatically qualifies. Eligibility depends on the circumstances and applicable Marketplace rules.
For many qualifying events, individuals have approximately 60 days to take action, although certain situations have different timelines.
If you think you qualify, visit HealthCare.gov or your state's Marketplace to review your eligibility.
This is where many individuals and families begin to feel stuck.
Perhaps you missed Open Enrollment because life got busy. Maybe you weren't ready to make a decision, or your financial circumstances changed after the deadline.
If you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you generally cannot enroll in ACA Marketplace health insurance until the next applicable enrollment window.
However, that doesn't mean you should stop exploring your health care options.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to consider Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or a Health Care Sharing Ministry such as OneShare Health.
Each option operates differently, so it's important to understand what you're choosing before making a decision.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) accept applications throughout the year.
Eligibility depends on factors such as household income, family size, age, and state-specific requirements.
If you qualify, you may be able to enroll without waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period.
If you're looking for a faith-based approach to managing eligible medical expenses, Health Care Sharing may be worth considering.
Unlike ACA Marketplace health insurance, Health Care Sharing Programs are not restricted to the annual Open Enrollment Period.
That means you can explore Membership opportunities throughout the year, without waiting for a particular season.
Health Care Sharing is a community-based approach in which individuals and families with shared beliefs and values voluntarily contribute toward one another's eligible medical expenses.
Rather than operating as traditional health insurance, a Health Care Sharing Ministry brings Members together around the principle of helping others during times of medical need.
For individuals who value faith, community, and responsible stewardship, this approach can offer a meaningful way to participate in health care.
At OneShare Health, our mission is rooted in Christian values and a commitment to helping Members care for one another.
We believe that navigating health care shouldn't have to be a journey you face alone.
Through the generosity and participation of our Members, OneShare Health has shared over $290 million in medical costs.
And because OneShare Health is a Health Care Sharing Ministry, you don't have to wait for Open Enrollment to apply for Membership.
Want to learn more about year-round Membership? Read our guides, Can You Enroll in Health Care Sharing Anytime? and Is There an Open Enrollment Period for Health Care Sharing?, for more details about how Health Care Sharing enrollment works.
Important: OneShare Health is not health insurance. Its Programs are not ACA Marketplace insurance and do not guarantee payment of medical expenses. Sharing is subject to Program Guidelines, including applicable limitations and waiting periods.
Whether you're exploring health care options for the first time or reconsidering what works best for your household, OneShare Health offers Programs designed for different needs and budgets.
The Catastrophic Program is designed for individuals and families seeking a more budget-conscious Health Care Sharing option, with an emphasis on larger, unexpected eligible medical expenses.
Monthly Member Contributions start as low as $65. The Catastrophic Program may also suit Temporary health care needs, including career transitions.
The Classic Program offers another approach for individuals and families seeking Health Care Sharing as part of their ongoing health care decisions.
Monthly Member Contributions start as low as $85. The Classic Program can also be considered for Temporary health care needs.
Both Programs have their own Guidelines, sharing limitations, and eligibility requirements. A OneShare Health specialist can help you understand the differences so you can make an informed decision.
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Why Consider Health Care Sharing Outside Open Enrollment?One of the most appealing aspects of Health Care Sharing is the ability to explore Membership when your needs arise, rather than waiting for an annual enrollment window.
A new job, a growing family, or an unexpected financial change can shift your priorities.
With OneShare Health, you can apply for Membership throughout the year, subject to Program eligibility and requirements.
Health care costs are an important part of any household budget.
OneShare Health offers multiple Program options, giving individuals and families the opportunity to evaluate different monthly Contribution amounts and sharing arrangements.
For many people, health care decisions are about more than finances.
They're also about finding an approach that reflects their values.
OneShare Health brings together Members who believe in supporting one another through life's challenges, putting the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens into practice.
Health Care Sharing is built around voluntary sharing among Members.
While it is not insurance and does not guarantee payment, it provides an opportunity to participate in a community committed to helping with eligible medical expenses according to established Program Guidelines.
Before making a decision, take some time to think about what matters most to you.
Start by reviewing your household's medical needs, monthly budget, and expectations for future health care expenses.
If you have ongoing medical needs or pre-existing conditions, pay particular attention to eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and limitations.
It's also important to understand the difference between health insurance and Health Care Sharing.
Marketplace health insurance operates under insurance laws and ACA requirements. Health Care Sharing Ministries operate differently, with medical expense sharing governed by their Program Guidelines rather than an insurance contract.
Neither should be confused with the other.
If you're eligible for Marketplace health insurance, compare those options carefully before deciding whether Health Care Sharing is appropriate for your circumstances.
The right decision starts with understanding how each option works.
Not necessarily. ACA Marketplace health insurance generally requires enrollment during Open Enrollment or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round for eligible individuals.
Health Care Sharing Programs, including OneShare Health Programs, offer year-round Membership application opportunities but are not health insurance.
If you miss Open Enrollment, you may need to wait until the next enrollment window unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
You can also check your eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP and explore other health care arrangements, including Health Care Sharing.
Outside Open Enrollment, ACA Marketplace health insurance generally requires a qualifying event or another applicable Special Enrollment Period circumstance.
Other options may be available depending on your eligibility, including Medicaid, CHIP, or employer-sponsored insurance during an applicable enrollment opportunity.
OneShare Health Membership does not require a Marketplace qualifying life event.
Yes! You can apply for OneShare Health Membership throughout the year.
OneShare Health is a Health Care Sharing Ministry, not an insurance company, so its Programs do not follow ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment deadlines.
Membership is subject to eligibility requirements and Program Guidelines.
Monthly Member Contributions for the Catastrophic Program start as low as $65, while the Classic Program starts as low as $85.
Actual Contributions depend on the Program and applicable Membership factors. Requesting a personalized quote can help you better understand your options.
No. Health Care Sharing is not health insurance.
With Health Care Sharing, Members voluntarily contribute toward one another's eligible medical expenses according to Program Guidelines. Sharing is not guaranteed, and Members remain responsible for their medical expenses.
Health Care Sharing Programs are not ACA Marketplace insurance and should be evaluated based on their specific features, limitations, and requirements.
If you're wondering whether you can get health insurance outside Open Enrollment, the answer is that you may have more options than you initially realized.
A Special Enrollment Period could allow you to enroll in Marketplace health insurance. Medicaid or CHIP may also be available if you qualify.
And if you're interested in a faith-based alternative approach, OneShare Health offers year-round opportunities to apply for Health Care Sharing Membership.
You deserve the opportunity to make thoughtful health care decisions with confidence, clarity, and support.
At OneShare Health, we believe caring for one another makes a difference. Our community is built on that simple but powerful principle.
Ready to see your options?
Get a personalized quote from OneShare Health and speak with a specialist who can help you compare the Catastrophic Program and Classic Program, understand the Program Guidelines, and find the right Program for your needs.
Your next step toward a caring Health Care Sharing community can begin today.
Join thousands of families saving up to 50% or more with OneShare Health. Get your free personalized quote in seconds.
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