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Summer 2026  Volume 19, Number 2        
 

This Just In… Many Families Qualify for Special Enrollment and Don’t Know It

A growing number of consumers are discovering that they don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to update or change their health insurance. Thanks to Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), millions of individuals and families qualify for mid year plan changes after certain life events — yet most people have no idea these opportunities exist.

According to recent Marketplace data, a significant share of new enrollments now occurs outside the traditional November–January window. The reason: more households are experiencing qualifying events such as moving, getting married, losing other coverage, or having income changes that affect subsidy eligibility.

What kinds of situations open the door to a SEP? More than many people realize. Common triggers include:

  • Moving to a new state or county
  • Marriage, divorce, or welcoming a new child
  • Loss of employer coverage or COBRA ending
  • Significant income changes that alter subsidy amounts
  • Gaining or losing eligibility for Medicaid

For families, these windows can be financially meaningful. A SEP may allow you to switch to a more affordable plan, adjust your deductible, or update coverage to better match your current needs — without waiting months for the next Open Enrollment.

If you’ve had a life change recently, this may be the perfect moment to review your options. A quick conversation can confirm whether you qualify and help ensure your coverage still fits your life.

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In this issue:

This Just In ... Many Families Qualify for Special Enrollment and Don’t Know It

Health Insurance in 2026: Rising Premiums, Bigger Deductibles, and How to Stay Protected

Life Insurance Rates Are Still Attractive—But They’re Changing

Long Term Care in 2026: What Today’s Families Need to Know About Their Options

Long Term Care Planning Shifts as Hybrid Policies Surge

 

 

 


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