Lost or Will Lose Health Coverage
You may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) if you lost or will lose minimum essential coverage.
This can happen if:
- You or your dependent lose employer-sponsored insurance. This can include COBRA and retiree coverage.
- You or your dependent turn 26 years old and lose coverage through a parent’s plan*
- An employer ends your coverage
- You or your spouse lose employer-sponsored insurance when you lose or leave a job
- You reach the end of your non-calendar-year plan
- You lose government-sponsored coverage, such as most types of TRICARE
Voluntary loss of coverage — for example, if you request that your MA or MinnesotaCare coverage ends, or because you did not pay your premium on time, including COBRA premiums — does not qualify you for a SEP.
TIP: To avoid a gap in your health care coverage, apply for this SEP during the 60 days before you lose coverage.
Key Dates
60-day SEP begins
The last date you or your dependent is covered by (or eligible for) your "minimum essential coverage" plan.
When you can enroll
Any time during the 60-day window of your SEP, after we verify your qualifying life event.
*Turning 26: You can stay enrolled in your parents’ plan the entire year you turn 26, if they purchased coverage through MNsure. You can enroll in your own plan during our open enrollment period for the next year.
When your coverage starts
Most people have coverage that ends on the last day of the month (April 30, for example). Your new plan starts on the first day of the month after the date you select it.
| Sample end date | If you choose a plan in | Your new plan starts |
|---|---|---|
| April 30 | April | May 1 |
Some people have coverage that ends in the middle of the month (April 15, for example). You may be able to choose when your new plan starts. It depends on when you select a plan and whether you are okay with having a gap in your health insurance.
| Sample end date | If you choose a plan in | Your new plan starts |
|---|---|---|
| April 15 | March | April 1 (no gap in coverage) or May 1 (with a gap in coverage) |
| April 15 | April | May 1 (with a gap in coverage) |
Verification Documents
When you apply, the system will tell you what documents you must upload.
Be prepared to upload at least one of the following:
- Employer plan notice
- Letter from employer
- Letter from health insurance company
- Notice of loss of benefits from a government program such as Medicare or TRICARE
Documents must show that you lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days or that you will lose coverage in the next 60 days. Documents must include your name, the type of coverage and the last day of coverage.
Don’t wait—MNsure must receive your documents and have time to process them before you can pick a plan. You must select a plan before your 60-day SEP window expires.