What life event allows an uninsured individual to qualify for a special enrollment in a health benefit plan?

The correct answer is adoption of a child. This life event triggers a special enrollment period because it signifies a significant change in an individual's family circumstances, which directly impacts their health coverage needs.

When a person adopts a child, they may need to add the child to their health insurance policy or secure a new policy that accommodates the larger family structure. The special enrollment period allows individuals and families to enroll in a health insurance plan or make changes to their existing plan outside of the typical open enrollment period.

Other events may indeed qualify for special enrollment periods, such as marriage or loss of previous employment, providing flexibility for individuals needing insurance coverage during significant life changes. A change of residence can also qualify for a special enrollment period but is generally more limited to specific circumstances, such as moving to a different state with different options. However, the adoption of a child is a clear-cut reason for needing immediate changes to health coverage, thus reinforcing why this is the correct answer.