Special Enrollment

If you miss the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), you may be able to get health care coverage during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). To be eligible, you must have had a qualifying "life event" within the past 60 days.

What Is a Qualifying Life Event?

You have had a qualifying life event if:

Your current health care coverage will no longer be provided after December 31, 2018.
You move to a new area that provides you different plans, or isn't covered by your HMO network.
You get married.
You have or adopt a child.
You lose other health coverage due to job loss, a decrease in work hours, end of COBRA coverage or other reasons.*
You become a U.S. citizen.**
Your income changes, or some other event changes your income or household status.
You can prove that your health insurance company violated its contract with you.
You are no longer covered on a family member's policy because you turned 26.
You have legally separated from or divorced your spouse, or the policy holder has passed away.
You become a member of an American Indian and Alaska Native tribe.**
You experience an error or other complication when trying to enroll .

View full list of qualifying events .

If you have questions about your eligibility, call us at 1-800-531-4456.

How Does Special Enrollment Work?

In most cases, you have 60 days after the qualifying life event to shop for your health plan on our website. Or, if you think you qualify for financial assistance, you can apply on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

If you already have a health plan, you may be able to change it during a Special Enrollment Period. Depending on your qualifying life event, you may make changes on our website or the Marketplace. You can also talk with your licensed sales agent.

When you sign up for or change your health plan during the SEP, your health care coverage may not start right away. The date your coverage starts is based on your life event and the date you apply.

Once you make your first payment, you can’t shop for other health plans until the next Open Enrollment Period.

Open Enrollment Versus Special Enrollment

What Documents Do I Need for Special Enrollment?

To sign up for health care coverage during Special Enrollment, you'll need to provide documents with the date of the life event as proof. This proof could be:

A marriage certificate.
An adoption certificate.
A government issued ID.
An employer letter on company letterhead.

View a full list of required documents PDF Document .

LEARN ABOUT BCBSTX HEALTH PLAN FEATURES

When you’re ready to shop for your health plan, make sure to review details on our plan levels and networks.

Also, compare the benefits our plans offer vs. other short-term plans (also known as temporary plans).

Review health plan features.

WHAT IS NOT A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT?

Choosing not to get health care coverage from your job.
Choosing to cancel your health plan before its renewal or end date.
Travel insurance expiring.
Loss of State or Federal health care coverage or assistance due to not supplying needed documents as proof.
Loss of a short-term or temporary health plan.

What if I Don't Qualify for Special Enrollment?

Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). There is no special enrollment period for these government provided coverage options – you can apply at any time.

Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can apply for health care coverage any month of the year. Cost assistance is also available.

Start Shopping Now

If you qualify for SEP, start shopping now to compare BCBSTX plans and find the right one for you.

Start Shopping Now

* Please note that the following are not considered loss of coverage: voluntarily canceling your health insurance plan, having your plan canceled because you did not pay your premiums or because your plan did not meet the requirements set by the Affordable Care Act.

** Only for health plans bought on the Marketplace.

Tab One Ask Question

Ask a Sales Question

Please fill out the form below and a licensed agent will contact you to help answer your questions.

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Tab Two Request Brochure

Request a Brochure

Please fill out the form below and we will send you information about our health insurance plans.

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If you provide a phone number, an agent may call you to make sure that you received the information and to answer any questions that you might have.

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Tab Three Request Agent

Online Agent Request Form

Please fill out the form below and a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas authorized agent will contact you within 1 to 2 business days. They will schedule an appointment at a time and location that is convenient for you. There is no cost or obligation for this service.

Please select the product you are interested in

Individual and Family Products Medicare Plan Options (Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D)

First Name* Please enter a valid first name

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Tab Four Call Us

Need Assistance Shopping?

Sales Questions and Additional Plan Information:
1-888-731-0406
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Sunday: Closed

Customer Service:
1-888-697-0683
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Sunday: Closed

Already a member?
Call the Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card.