Press Release
New Special Enrollment Period Expands Access to Coverage for Pregnant Virginians
Published
Richmond, VA – Pregnant Virginians can now enroll in health coverage on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace year-round, improving access to vital prenatal care for uninsured or underinsured individuals when they need it. The new law, led in the General Assembly last year by Delegate Irene Shin, became effective January 31, 2026.
Outside of the Marketplace’s open enrollment period, Virginians must qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) to enroll in new coverage or make changes to an existing plan. SEPs are triggered by “qualifying life events” that impact people’s coverage needs or circumstances – things like losing job-based coverage or getting married. While giving birth has long been considered a qualifying life event, becoming pregnant has not. Until now, pregnant Virginians without access to another form of health coverage and no other qualifying life event have been locked out of health insurance.
The new law creates a SEP for qualifying pregnant Virginians to enroll in Marketplace coverage. There is no specific time window, so eligible individuals can enroll anytime during their pregnancy. However, once an individual begins the process, they will only have 60 days to enroll in coverage. The SEP is only available to new consumers – those who are already enrolled in Marketplace coverage cannot switch plans with this SEP.
“Pregnancy is a life-altering event that can lead to unforeseen medical complications for the parent and child,” said Emily Hardy, Deputy Director of the Center for Healthy Communities at Virginia Poverty Law Center. “We are excited this SEP is now available to make sure pregnant Virginians have timely access to the healthcare they need. Pregnancy does not wait for an open enrollment period.”
Early prenatal care is associated with better outcomes for parent and child, yet uninsured individuals are more likely to delay that care. According to March of Dimes’ 2025 report card, nearly 15 percent of babies in Virginia were born to parents who received inadequate prenatal care. Virginia is ranked 42nd of 48 in maternal mortality among states with available data.
“Getting married, moving, changing jobs, giving birth – all of these are long-established qualifying life events,” said Delegate Irene Shin. “Pregnancy, however, only became a qualifying life event under this legislation. This newly created Special Enrollment Period will be a gamechanger for Virginians and ensure improved outcomes for both moms and infants.”
To apply, consumers can go directly to the Marketplace online at marketplace.virginia.gov or call the consumer assistance center at 1-888-687-1501 (TTY: 711). The call center’s hours are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday. Language services are available. Some consumers qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums.
For those who want help reviewing their options, Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Enroll Virginia program provides free and unbiased assistance with health coverage through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and FAMIS. Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling the toll-free helpline at 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person or virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool at enrollva.org/get-help.
