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Life is full of changes—some planned, some unexpected. Maybe you just got married, moved to a new city, or lost your job. These big life moments can be overwhelming, and worrying about health insurance shouldn’t add to the stress. 

Each year, Open Enrollment is the time when most Georgians can sign up for health insurance through Georgia Access, the state’s health insurance marketplace. The last Open Enrollment window ran from November 1, 2024, to January 15 of this year. 

If you missed Open Enrollment, don’t worry. You may still be able to sign up for affordable health coverage on Georgia Access, Georgia’s state-based marketplace, through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

A Special Enrollment Period is a window of time outside of Open Enrollment when you can sign up for health insurance due to major life events. 

You may still be able to get covered through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you’ve recently:

• You lost Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, or employer-sponsored coverage
• You moved to Georgia or changed your ZIP code
• You got married, had a baby, or adopted a child
• Your income is below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
• And more!

Depending on the type of change, you typically have 60 or 90 days before or after the event to enroll.

Do You Qualify for an SEP?

If any of the situations below apply to you, you may be eligible to enroll in a health plan now.

Did Your Household Change?

You may qualify for an SEP if you or someone in your household recently:

• Got married. Pick a plan by the last day of the month, and your coverage starts the following month.
• Had a baby, adopted a child, or gained a court-appointed dependent. Coverage starts the day of the event.
• Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance as a result. 

Did You Move?

A new home can mean a new health plan. You may qualify for an SEP if you:

• Moved to Georgia, a new ZIP code, or a different county.
• Moved to or from school (if you are a student), a place you live and work (if you are a seasonal worker), or a shelter.
• Moved from another country or U.S. territory. (If moving from within the U.S., you will need proof of previous health coverage.)

Did You Lose Health Coverage?

Losing health insurance? You may qualify if you:

• Lost employer-sponsored coverage.
• Turned 26 and aged off a parent’s health plan.
• Lost Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, TRICARE, or another government plan.
• Had COBRA coverage end.
• Had your Georgia Access plan discontinued.

Did Your Eligibility Change?

You qualify for an SEP if you or someone in your household:

• Gained U.S. citizenship, legal presence, or refugee status.
• Were released from incarceration.

Other Ways to Qualify

Some Georgians qualify for a Special Enrollment Period year-round if they:

• Have an estimated annual income below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Lost Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids and need to enroll in a new plan within 90 days.
• Are American Indian or Alaska Native.
• Had an unexpected life event (such as a natural disaster or serious illness) that prevented them from enrolling during Open Enrollment.

How to Apply

Applying for an SEP is simple. You can:

• Use Georgia Access – Apply online through the Georgia Access consumer portal.
• Get Free Help – Certified Navigators can guide you through the process, making sure you get the best coverage for your needs.
• Call for Assistance – Contact the Georgia Access helpline at 888-687-1503 (TTY 711).

You may need to provide documentation (such as a marriage certificate, proof of a move, or a letter confirming job loss) to verify your SEP. Visit About Georgia Access > Policies for more information on Georgia Access policies that may impact you.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered

Navigating health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. Georgians for a Healthy Future offers free, one-on-one assistance to help you understand your options and enroll in a plan that fits your needs.

Get started today by connecting with a GHF Navigator. Click here to learn more and get the coverage you need.