CoveragePath guide ? Updated 2026-09-17

2027 Special Enrollment Period verification: what to prepare

Recent Marketplace rules make documentation a timely concern for people enrolling after a move, loss of coverage, marriage, birth or another qualifying event.

A Special Enrollment Period can let eligible consumers enroll outside annual Open Enrollment after certain life events. For 2027, CMS finalized expanded pre-enrollment SEP verification requirements on Exchanges using the federal platform.

Quick answer

If you expect to use a Special Enrollment Period, keep documents that support the qualifying event and dates. The Marketplace may need to verify eligibility before coverage can start.

Common events to review

HealthCare.gov lists events such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby among circumstances that can create a Special Enrollment Period. Eligibility depends on the specific facts and timing.

Prepare before you apply

• Know the date of the qualifying event.
• Keep notices showing loss or change of prior coverage when applicable.
• Use your current address and household information.
• Respond promptly to Marketplace requests for documents.

CoveragePath provides educational information, not a Marketplace eligibility determination or plan quote. Verify your personal eligibility and final plan prices with the Marketplace.