Tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace
If you haven’t applied for insurance on HealthCare.gov before, here's what you need to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace (sometimes known as the health insurance "exchange").
STILL NEED HEALTH COVERAGE FOR 2018?
Open Enrollment for 2018 plans is over. Open Enrollment for 2019 runs November 1–December 15, 2018. Coverage starts January 1, 2019.
If you still want coverage for the rest of 2018:
- See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
- See if you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply for these programs any time.
1. 2019 Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through December 15, 2018
- Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2019.
- After December 15, you can enroll in 2019 health insurance only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
2. The Health Insurance Marketplace is for people who don’t have health coverage
If you don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, the Marketplace can help you get covered.
- If you have job-based insurance: You can buy a plan through the Marketplace, but you'll pay full price unless your employer's insurance doesn't meet certain standards. Most job-based plans do meet the standards.
- If you have Medicare: You can't switch to Marketplace insurance, supplement your coverage with a Marketplace plan, or buy a Marketplace dental plan. Learn about Medicare and the Marketplace.
3. What you pay for insurance depends on your income
Your savings depend on your expected household income for the year.
Get a quick idea if you'll save. Based on your income estimate, we'll tell you if you qualify for:
A health insurance plan with savings based on your income
- You may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly insurance bill, and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.
- The plans are offered by private insurance companies with a range of prices and features.
Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost coverage to millions of people and families with limited income, disabilities, and some other situations.
- Many states are expanding Medicaid to cover all households below certain incomes. See if your state is expanding and if your income is in range to qualify.
- Your children may qualify for CHIP even if you don't qualify for Medicaid.
4. You can apply for coverage 5 ways
Starting November 1, you can apply any way that works for you:
- Online
- By phone
- With in-person help
- Through an agent or broker
- With a paper application
Use this checklist to gather what you’ll need to complete your application (PDF).