When Open Enrollment ends, people can still apply for health benefits; however, they can only enroll in Health Connector Qualified Health Plan (QHP) coverage if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). If they qualify under the rules of a SEP, they have up to 60 days from the date of the Qualifying Life Event (QLE) to enroll in a QHP.
When helping someone make changes or enroll into coverage, please review their application to ensure it is up to date and to see if they already have a SEP.
Anyone newly determined eligible for ConnectorCare on, before, or after January 23rd will automatically get a SEP to ensure they have 60 days from the date of their eligibility determination to enroll. For example, if an individual who is currently only eligible for an unsubsidized plan has a change in circumstances that makes them newly eligible for ConnectorCare, they would qualify for a 60-day SEP outside of Open Enrollment.
Additionally, other qualifying life events, such as a loss of minimum essential coverage (i.e., health insurance from a job), marriage, or a permanent move to Massachusetts would also qualify an individual for a SEP to enroll in Health Connector coverage. Visit Special Enrollment Period – Massachusetts Health Connector for more information.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) rules are in effect for Health Connector plans starting Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Note: These SEP rules do not apply to enrollment in MassHealth, HSN, CMSP or a Health Connector Qualified Dental Plan, or those enrolling in Health Connector for Business.