The Affordable Care Act allows children to remain on their parents’ insurance until they reach the age of 26. ZOLL coverage goes through the end of the month the dependent turns 26. When they lose coverage due to age, they are then eligible for a special enrollment period to get coverage for themselves.

Most people get their insurance from their jobs, and many students get it from their schools. If you lose coverage under a spouse/partner’s plan, graduate or drop out of school, you need a special enrollment period to replace that coverage.

Public programs like Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP provide health insurance to individuals and families that cannot afford it themselves. If you currently rely on one of these programs but your income increases, you may become ineligible. In this case, you can use this special enrollment period to elect coverage.