How to Enroll in Marketplace Health Insurance

Where to enroll and what you need before you start

You enroll in Marketplace coverage through Healthcare.gov (or your state's own Marketplace website if your state runs one). You do not call an office or mail in forms — the entire process happens online, though you can get help by phone if you need it.

Before you start, gather: your Social Security number, proof of income (last two pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer), your immigration status documentation if you were not born in the U.S., and information about any current health coverage you have. If you are enrolling a spouse or children, you will need their Social Security numbers and birth dates too.

The enrollment window runs from November 1 through January 15 each year — this is called Open Enrollment. If you miss this window, you can still enroll if you have a may have access to life event: you turned 26, lost job-based coverage, got married, had a baby, moved to a new state, or experienced another major change. You then have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Key Takeaways

• You enroll on Healthcare.gov or your state's Marketplace website, and the process is entirely online unless you request phone help.
• Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year, but you can enroll outside this window if you have a may have access to life event like turning 26.
• Have your Social Security number, recent income proof, and current coverage information ready before you log in.
• After you enroll, your coverage starts on the first day of the following month — so if you enroll in December, coverage begins January 1.
• You may be offered tax credits or cost-sharing reductions that lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs, based on your income.

Step-by-step: creating your account and entering your information

Go to Healthcare.gov and click "get your free guide" or "Apply Now." You will create an account using an email address and password. The site will ask you to verify your email by clicking a link sent to your inbox.

Once logged in, you will answer questions about yourself: your name, date of birth, address, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or national. If you are enrolling family members, add them one at a time. For each person, you will enter their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship to you.

Next, the site asks about income. Enter your expected income for the year ahead — this is what the Marketplace uses to determine whether you may have access to for tax credits that reduce your monthly premium. If you are unsure of your income, use your last year's tax return or your most recent pay stubs as a guide. You can update this information later if your income changes.

Choosing a plan and understanding the costs

After you enter your information, the Marketplace shows you available plans in your area, organized by metal level: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premium but higher out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Platinum plans have the highest monthly premium but lower out-of-pocket costs. Silver and Gold fall in between.

Each plan shows its monthly premium (what you pay every month), deductible (what you pay out of pocket before the plan starts paying), and copays or coinsurance (what you pay when you see a doctor or fill a prescription). The Marketplace also shows you an estimate of what you might pay in a year if you use a certain amount of care — this helps you compare the true cost of different plans, not just the premium.

If your income is below a certain level (which varies by state and family size), you may see that the Marketplace has already applied a tax credit to your premium, lowering what you pay each month. Some Silver plans also offer cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductible and copays if your income qualifies. These reductions happen automatically when you choose a Silver plan.

Completing your enrollment and when coverage starts

Once you have chosen a plan, review your information one more time to make sure everything is correct. Then click to confirm your enrollment. The Marketplace will send you a confirmation email with your policy number and effective date.

Your coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll — so if you enroll on December 15, your coverage starts January 1. If you enroll on January 5, coverage starts February 1. The one exception is if you enroll during the first 15 days of a month; in that case, coverage can start on the first day of that same month.

After enrollment closes, you will receive a bill from your insurance company with your first premium payment due. You can pay online, by mail, or by phone — the bill will show all your payment options. Make your first payment by the due date to keep your coverage active.

What to do if you need help during enrollment

If you get stuck or have questions while enrolling, you can call the Marketplace customer service line at 1-800-318-2596. Representatives can walk you through each step, answer questions about plans, or help you troubleshoot technical problems. The line is open year-round, though wait times are longer during Open Enrollment.

You can also find in-person help through a Certified Application Counselor or Navigator — these are trained people in your community who help people enroll for free. The Marketplace website has a tool to find counselors and Navigators near you. Some community health centers, libraries, and nonprofits also offer free enrollment help.

If English is not your first language, the Marketplace website and phone line offer interpretation in more than 150 languages. When you call, tell the representative your language and they will connect you with an interpreter at no cost to you.

Updating your information after you enroll

If your income changes, you move, or your family situation changes (you get married, have a baby, or lose other coverage), you can update your Marketplace account anytime. Log back in and click "Update Application" or "Make Changes." Some changes — like losing job-based coverage — may open a new 60-day enrollment window so you can switch plans if you want to.

If your income drops significantly, you may become newly may be able to access for tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. If your income rises, your tax credits may decrease. Updating your information keeps your premium accurate and makes sure you are not overpaying or underpaying.

You can also change plans during Open Enrollment each November through January, even if nothing in your life has changed. This is useful if you want to switch to a plan with lower premiums, a lower deductible, or a different network of doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the Open Enrollment deadline?

You can still enroll if you have a may have access to life event — turning 26 counts as one. You have 60 days from the date you turn 26 to enroll. If you do not have a may have access to event and miss Open Enrollment, you cannot enroll until the next Open Enrollment period in November, unless your situation changes.

Do I have to pay the full premium myself?

Not necessarily. If your income is below a certain level, the Marketplace will offer you a tax credit that reduces your monthly premium. You only pay the amount after the credit is subtracted. The credit is based on your expected income for the year, so if your income is lower than expected, you may get an additional credit when you file your taxes.

Can I change plans after I enroll?

You can change plans during Open Enrollment (November 1 through January 15) or if you have a may have access to life event. Outside of these windows, you are locked into your current plan for the year. If your situation changes — you move, lose other coverage, or have a major income change — contact the Marketplace to see if you can make a change.

What happens if I do not pay my first premium?

Your coverage will not start until your first payment is received. Most insurance companies give you a grace period of 30 days to pay, but after that your coverage can be canceled. If you are having trouble paying, contact your insurance company to ask about payment plans or hardship options.

Can I enroll someone else, or do they have to enroll themselves?

You can enroll your spouse and children under 26 on your own account when you enroll. For adults 26 and older, they must create their own account and enroll themselves, though you can help them through the process.