I did. And they said only if my employer allows it. I ended up opening up a can of worms by asking my employer unfortunately.

So no you can't do it if your employer does not allow it. Employers don't allow it because it is not a "qualifying event" according to the IRS. The other option is supplemental insurance, and no, my employer does not offer this.

And now I have been forced to take a leave of absence or risk getting fired.