Special Enrollment: Moving

Your address might not be the only thing that changes when you move. You may be able to update your health care coverage, too. Find out if your move lets you update your plan during Special Enrollment.

Does Your Move Qualify You for Enrollment?

  • You move out of state: you're losing coverage because you're moving states
  • You lose your network: your plan no longer covers the area you're moving to, even if it's in-state
  • Your costs change: the costs of your plan change because of the area you moved to
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Compare your plan options, find out if you qualify for savings and start enrolling through our shopping platform.

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What to Consider When Shopping

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Deadlines

You normally have 60 days1 from your life event, including weekends and holidays, to enroll in a new health insurance plan.

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Financial help

Depending on your household income, you might get a premium tax credit. Find out if you qualify on our shopping platform.

How to Get Health Insurance for You or Your Spouse After Moving

  • I don't have health insurance. How do I enroll?
    If you don't have a health plan, you're in the right place. BCBSTX has many plans to choose from to fit your family and budget. Let's get started.
     
    Start Shopping

  • I already have a BCBSTX plan. How can I add my spouse to my plan?

    You can add your spouse by updating your plan where you first enrolled:

    • If you enrolled directly with us online, visit our shopping platform or call 1-800-531-4456.
    • If you enrolled on the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit the Marketplace and log in to your account.
    • If you have health care coverage through your job, call your benefits or HR department.

  • What if my spouse or I don't qualify for Special Enrollment?

    If you don't qualify for Special Enrollment, or you missed your enrollment deadline, you're able to shop again during the Open Enrollment Period beginning Nov. 1.1

    Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. There's no Special Enrollment period for those government offered coverage options – you can apply at any time.

    If you're 65+ or have certain disabilities, you may be able to enroll in Medicare.

  • Can I move my BCBSTX plan to another state?

    No, you're Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas health insurance plan only covers you while you're living in your coverage area. If you're move's only temporary, you may have options to stay with BCBSTX:

    • BlueCard: While you're traveling outside your service area, connect with participating health care providers through independent BCBS Plans across the country and beyond.
    • GeoBlue: Planning to travel internationally for work, fun or school? With GeoBlue, you may be able to find additional coverage options that can keep you covered while abroad.
    • AcademicBlue: If you or your child are in college, you may be able to rely on an AcademicBlue plan. Keep your access to BCBSTX programs and resources while relying on a national PPO plan.

  • Can I add my dependents to my insurance if we're moving at different times?

    You can generally add your dependents to your plan if they're moving at a different time. However, you may not have to account for their move during your Special Enrollment Period.

    If your dependent's move meets all the requirements of a qualifying life event, it could trigger a separate Special Enrollment Period and restart the 60 day timeline.

  • Does moving to another ZIP code in the state qualify me for Special Enrollment?

    Moving within your state, especially if you're changing ZIP codes, often does qualify as a life event. Your new ZIP code could have new plan options or impact the costs of your current plan, so be sure to explore your options through Special Enrollment.

1Deadlines and enrollment qualifications may be different for Group, Medicare or Medicaid plans.

Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can enroll any month, not just during open enrollment. You can even apply for cost assistance.

Last Updated: April 16, 2025