HealthCare.gov blog

If you already have health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace^®, it’s time to review your plan and decide if you want to make changes for 2015. You can choose to stay in your current plan (if it’s still offered) or change to a different plan.

Insurance companies can change a plan’s premiums, cost-sharing, and the benefits and services they cover each year. Every fall, your health insurance company sends you a notice explaining these changes. It’s important to review your plan’s 2015 health coverage to make sure it still meets your needs.

When you buy health coverage for your employees through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace, you may qualify for a tax credit worth up to 50% of your premium contributions.

Two new tools are now available in Spanish on CuidadoDeSalud.gov to make it easier for small employers to understand and take full advantage of the benefits available from the SHOP.

Starting November 15th, you’ll be able to apply and enroll in 2015 Marketplace coverage. When you fill out a Marketplace application, you can compare plans based on price, benefits, and other important features. You’ll also find out if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

If you’re eligible, the Health Insurance Marketplace^® can help you find affordable health coverage. Most people who apply qualify for premium tax credits and other savings based on their income.

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) offers a simpler way to find and buy health coverage that meets the needs of your employees—and your business.

Starting November 15, for the first time you’ll be able to enroll through the SHOP Marketplace entirely online. You can complete an application, choose coverage, and enroll yourself or you can work with an agent or broker.

We’re doing maintenance and upgrades to improve the site during certain time periods. The HealthCare.gov website itself is still available. This means you can learn about the Marketplace and be well prepared when the system is available again.

The Health Insurance Marketplace^® makes it easier to find quality, affordable coverage. Millions of Americans have already gotten coverage, many for the first time.

Now that you’ve found a doctor and had your first visit, you may be wondering what to do next. It’s important to follow through with your doctor’s recommendations.

When you applied for Marketplace coverage, you might have reported a lower household income than we could verify in our data sources. If so, it's important that you submit your proof of income documents to the Marketplace to fix this data matching issue. We need to verify your income so you can keep any help you get with Marketplace premiums and cost-sharing.

Time is running out. You may get a letter this week telling you that if you don't submit your documents by September 30, 2014, your help with Marketplace costs like your monthly premiums, deductible, copayments, or coinsurance may change or end.

Are you ready for the next Health Insurance Marketplace^® Open Enrollment Period? Open Enrollment is the time when you can apply for a new Marketplace plan, keep your current plan, or pick a new one.

Your health and well-being are important and personal. You should choose a doctor or other health care provider that you can work with, trust, and feel comfortable talking to.