A qualifying event is an event that triggers a special enrollment period for an individual or family to purchase health insurance outside of the regular annual open enrollment period. ... a permanent move to an area where different health plans are available (as long as you already had coverage prior to the move). There are 4 basic types of qualifying life events. (The following are examples, not a full list.) Loss of health coverage Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual, and student plans Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan Changes in household Getting married or divorced Having a baby or adopting a child Death in the family Changes in residence Moving to a different ZIP code or county A student moving to or from the place they attend school A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing Other qualifying events Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder Becoming a U.S. citizen Leaving incarceration (jail or prison) AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service