Young Americans Can Still Enroll In Obamacare Through #EnrollmentMoments

Now that the first open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act has closed, the only way you can purchase health insurance until the next open enrollment period is through a “special enrollment” moment. And good news, Millennials—we have these #EnrollmentMoments more than other Americans.

Now that the first open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act has closed, the only way you can purchase health insurance until the next open enrollment period is through a "special enrollment" moment.

And good news, Millennials—we have these #EnrollmentMoments more than other Americans.

A special enrollment moment is a time in which you (and your family) can sign up for health coverage outside the annual open enrollment windows. Typically, when you experience one of these moments, you have a period of 60 days to select and enroll in a new plan through the federal or state marketplaces.

Here are six key moments that can result in #EnrollmentMoments.

1. Graduating from college. (Oh, the places you’ll go…)

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), more than a million students have student health insurance plans through their colleges, universities, or other higher education institutions. So as the class of 2014 prepares for graduation, they can have peace of mind about health care via the federal and state marketplaces.

2. Starting a new job. (Congrats, BTW!)

Based on calculations by the U.S. Census Bureau—which reported that there are 55.5 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 30—about 27.8 million young Americans transition jobs each year. That's about 17.4 million during the 7.5 months between enrollment periods.

3. Marrying the love of your life. (Or marrying anyone, really. But we hope s/he is the one.)

According to the CDC, American men tie the knot at the median age of 28 and women at 26 years old.

4. Having a baby or adopting a child. (It’s a girl! Name her Adele Dazeem.)

Based on statistics from the CDC, about 3.95 million babies were born in the U.S. If broken down for a 7.5 month period (the time between open enrollment) that’s about 2.5 million babies born. That means that as many as 4.9 million Americans could gain a dependent during those 7.5 months, making them eligible for special enrollment.

5. Turning 26 and if you are still on your parents’ plan. (26 is the new 18!)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 4.2 million Americans will turn 26 this year. Those 2.6 million will celebrate the big 2-6 during the 7.5 months between open enrollment periods. So if you are currently on your parents’ plan, but turning 26 this year, you will be able to buy your own plan via the state or federal marketplaces.

6. Moving to a new state that would change your coverage. (No worries if you pack at the last minute.)

Based on statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 5 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 will move to a new state this year, which is about 3.1 million people during the 7.5 months between open enrollments.

In addition to these six enrollment moments, young Americans can also enroll in the marketplaces if they have a change in immigration status, qualify for Medicaid, or are released from incarceration.

Other #EnrollmentMoments

In addition to these six enrollment moments, young Americans can also enroll in the marketplaces if they have a change in immigration status, qualify for Medicaid, or are released from incarceration.