A quick guide to the Health Insurance Marketplace®
Tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace®
If you don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides
, you can find coverage through the Marketplace.
1. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15
- Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1
- Enroll by January 15 for coverage that starts February 1
2. Outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period, you can get coverage or change plans only if you:
- Have a life change or income that qualifies for a
- Qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — you can enroll any time of year and coverage can start immediately
3. Most people qualify for savings
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 that lowers your monthly insurance bill, and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs likeand.
- The plans are offered by private insurance companies with a range of prices and features.
or the
- Many states have expanded Medicaid to cover all households below certain incomes. Check 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. All Marketplace plans cover:
- 10 essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, laboratory services, and mental health and substance use disorder services
- Free preventive health services at no cost to you when delivered by a doctor or provider in your plan's network
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
5. You can apply for coverage several ways
- Online
- By phone
- With the help of someone in your community
- Through an agent/ broker
- Through certified enrollment partner websites
- With a paper application
6. Don't forget to pay your monthly premium
When you have Marketplace insurance, you'll pay your premiums directly to the insurance company — not to the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Your coverage won't start until you pay your first premium. Get more information on completing your enrollment.