Special Enrollment Period explained

There are two types of enrollment periods during which individuals can sign up for LifeWise health plans.

1. An open enrollment (OE) period is the same dedicated span of time each year in which new members can sign up for LifeWise health plans. You may also hear this time span referred to as “Annual Enrollment Period” or “open enrollment season.”

   Not all health insurers use the same time on the calendar for open enrollment. For LifeWise, the open enrollment period runs from November 1 to December 15 for coverage that begins January 1, with an extended open enrollment period that runs from December 16 to January 15 for coverage that begins February 1.

2. Life happens. And in those instances, there’s special enrollment. Special enrollments can happen during any time of year that falls outside of the annual open enrollment period. Special enrollments do require, however, “qualifying life events” to be eligible.

Examples of qualifying life events include a move that resulted in a loss of coverage from a prior insurer, marriage, a new baby in the family, or loss of employer coverage. (See a longer list of qualifying life events.)

A completed application for coverage through special enrollment must be received by LifeWise within 60 days of the qualifying life event. You’ll need to show proof of Washington state residency and also include documents related to your life event, such as a birth or marriage certificate. 

There are three ways to provide qualifying-life-event documentation to LifeWise:

1. Contact your producer with your required documents and your producer will submit them on your behalf. This is the quickest way to send your documents to us.

2. Upload the required document(s) electronically, following these steps:
   
   • 1. Register for an online account by going to https://lwwaportal.valence.care/
     2. Click the Sign in button > Click here to register, then follow the prompts to set up your account. Use the member ID at the top of this letter during registration.
     3. Send us your documents via secure email.
     4. Select Contact Us > Send Email from the top menu bar.
     5. In the subject menu, select SEP Enrollment.
     6. Upload your documents, then click Submit.
     7. Add a message in the description field (optional) then click Submit again to send your documents. You will receive a confirmation page.
3. Mail the requirement documents to LifeWise Health Plan of WA, P.O. Box 21552, Eagan, MN 55121.

To find the plan right for you and for where you live, use our handy Quick Quote tool. Answer a few simple questions and see plan suggestions along with estimated monthly costs for each. Then be sure to provide your documentation via one of the three methods listed above within 60 days of your qualifying life event.

LifeWise offers flexible plans that help you meet your personal health care needs and goals. All plans cover office visits, prescription drugs, hospital services, and virtual care. Many preventive care services are covered at no cost to you.  

Learn on our special enrollment page. 

If you’re still not sure if your situation constitutes a “qualifying life event,” please contact a LifeWise customer service representative for help. Get answers in seconds.