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If you have a qualifying life event or change like losing your Medicaid coverage, getting married, having or adopting a baby, or starting a new job, you may be able to enroll in a health plan during the Special Enrollment Period. Special Enrollment takes place when the Open Enrollment Period ends each year and continues until it begins again in November.
During Special Enrollment, you can choose a new Individual and Family plan with a qualifying life event.1
Enrolling in a health plan during Special Enrollment requires additional steps to apply. If you've had a qualifying life event, review the next steps to apply for a plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) for you and your family.
If you've gone through a qualifying life event outside of Open Enrollment, you may be able to enroll in a health plan during Special Enrollment.
In most cases, you have 60 days (including weekends and holidays) from the date of your qualifying life event to buy a new health plan.
Before enrolling in your new plan, you may need to send in documents to confirm your life event. These documents, like a marriage license or adoption certificate, should show your qualifying life event and its date.
Once you've found a plan that fits you and your family, apply and make your first payment for coverage to start.
You have three ways to apply for a health plan during Special Enrollment.
Work with an independent, authorized agent to sign you up.
There are many kinds of life events that may qualify you for special enrollment, like:
Non-qualifying events may be:
You can always call us at 1-855-594-1515 or use our contact form if you have questions or need help.
When you buy or change your health plan during Special Enrollment, your health care coverage may not start right away. Your coverage start date is most often based on:
You normally have 60 days (including weekends and holidays) from the date of your qualifying life event to buy a new health plan.
However, you may be able to enroll before your qualifying event occurs, like in the case of losing health care coverage due to job loss. Please call 1-855-594-1515 with any questions.
Before enrolling in a new plan, you may need to send in approved documents, or proof, showing you had a qualifying life event and your life event date.
You may also qualify for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or other assistance based on your income. These health care coverage options are provided by the government. There’s no Special Enrollment Period, so you can apply at any time. You may also qualify for financial help.
Note: Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can apply for health care coverage any month of the year.
1The following are not considered loss of coverage: voluntarily canceling your health insurance plan, having your plan canceled because you did not pay your premiums or because your plan did not meet the requirements set by the Affordable Care Act for Minimum Essential Coverage.
2Only for health plans bought on the Marketplace.
3BCBSMT does not offer temporary or short-term plans. These plans may not provide the full benefits of a BCBSMT health plan, including essential health benefits.
Last Updated: June 09, 2023
