10 ways to get ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace®

Published on September 21, 2013

Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace® is coming soon. Here’s how you can get ready to enroll starting October 1, 2013.

1. Find the Marketplace in your state and get your options & info.
2. Sign up for email or text updates about the Marketplace and connect with us on social media.
3. Gather basic information about your household income to see if you qualify for lower costs on Marketplace coverage. Use this checklist to get started.
4. Set your budget and estimate your costs and savings in the Marketplace.
5. Make sure you understand how coverage works, including things like premiums,
   deductibles

   The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.

   ,
   out-of-pocket maximums

   The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for in-network care and services, your health plan pays 100% of the costs of covered benefits.

   ,
   copayments

   A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.

   , and
   coinsurance

   The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you've paid your deductible.

   .
6. Learn about the different types of health coverage.
7. Explore your current options. You may be able to get coverage that starts before January 1, 2014 through existing programs.
8. Ask your employer if it plans to offer health insurance in 2014. If you don’t have coverage, you may have to pay a fine.
9. Learn how to get help with your Marketplace application. Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find help in your area.
10. Get help with a Marketplace question. You can call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Online chat is also available 24/7.