Getting a Health Insurance Marketplace® plan: 4 steps
If you’re new to the Health Insurance Marketplace®, follow these 4 steps to apply and enroll on HealthCare.gov.
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Still need health coverage for 2021?
Open Enrollment for 2022 runs Monday, November 1, 2021–Saturday, January 15, 2022. Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.
If you still need coverage for the rest of 2021:
- See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event, like losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. You may also be able to enroll now if you got or were approved to get unemployment compensation in 2021. (The Marketplace will follow up with you shortly after you submit your application if you’re eligible for this Special Enrollment Period.) If eligible, you may qualify for help paying for coverage, even if you weren’t eligible in the past. Learn more about lower costs.
- See if you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply for these programs any time.
Already have an account? Log in to apply.
Before you get started: See key resources
- See what Marketplace plans cover, including treatment for pre-existing medical conditions and other essential health benefits.
- Preview health plans and prices to get an estimate.
1
Create a Marketplace account
- Enter some basic information, like your name, address, and email address to start.
- If your state runs its own Marketplace, we’ll take you there.
- Get help creating your account.
2
Get ready to apply
- See how to get ready.
- Use this checklist to gather everything you may need (PDF, 160 MB).
- Learn how to estimate your income for your application.
- Need help with your application? See ways to apply for health coverage.
3
Get “Eligibility Results” right away
Submit your application to see if you qualify for:
- A Marketplace health insurance plan with savings, like tax credits to help pay monthly premiums, or lower copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- Free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- See if you’ll save. Get an estimate before you apply.
4
Enroll in health coverage
- Compare health plans and prices available in your area, and enroll in the one that best meets your needs.
- See how to pick a plan. Or, watch the video.
- Need dental coverage too? See 2 ways to get it.
- Pay your premium to your insurance company for your coverage to start.
- Ready to apply & enroll? Log in.
How to Choose a Plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace®
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After you enroll
- You’ll get a packet in the mail with your new insurance card and more information about your health plan. Start using your coverage.
- If you need to make changes to your plan, you can do so if you're moving, having a baby, or adopting a child.
- If your income or household changes, update your application as soon as possible. Your coverage options and savings may be impacted.
- If you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you’ll hear from your state about enrollment and next steps.