I lost employer health coverage! Can I apply for a plan on Stride?

Yes! Losing health insurance through your employer is generally a qualifying life event that can give you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

If you recently lost, or expect to lose, your employer-sponsored health coverage, you may be able to enroll in an individual Marketplace plan through Stride outside of Open Enrollment.

When can I apply?

In most cases, you can apply:

• Up to 60 days before you expect to lose your employer coverage, or
• Within 60 days after you lose your coverage.

Your exact enrollment deadline and coverage start date depend on the circumstances of your loss of coverage.

When you apply through Stride, we'll ask about your previous coverage and when it ended (or will end) to help determine whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

What if I haven't lost my coverage yet?

You don't necessarily have to wait until your employer coverage ends to apply. If you know you'll be losing your coverage soon, you may be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan before your employer coverage ends.

This can help you plan ahead and avoid a gap in coverage.

Are there other reasons I might qualify for Special Enrollment?

Yes. Other qualifying life events can include:

• Losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage
• Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent's plan
• Moving to a new area and gaining access to new Marketplace plans
• Getting married
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Certain changes in household or immigration status

For a complete list of qualifying life events, see What qualifying events allow me to get coverage outside Open Enrollment?

What should I do next?

If you've recently lost or are about to lose employer health coverage, you can start an application on Stride to see what plans and financial assistance may be available to you.

You'll need to provide information about your previous coverage and your qualifying life event. In some cases, the Marketplace may ask you to provide documentation confirming that you lost your employer coverage.