- November 1: Open Enrollment begins.
- December 15: Deadline to enroll for coverage starting January 1.
- January 15: Open Enrollment ends. Last day to enroll for coverage starting February 1.
After January 15, you can only obtain a health plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. However, you can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time during the year. CHIP offers low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women.
You can report changes to the Marketplace in three ways: online, by phone, or in person—but not by mail. Find out more about how to report changes.
When you have Marketplace insurance, you’ll pay your premiums directly to the insurance company, not through the Marketplace. Your coverage will only begin once you’ve paid your first premium. Contact your plan to learn about their accepted payment methods.
Log in to your Marketplace account and select the application for the tax year you’re filing. Then, choose "Tax Forms" to access your 1095-A. Your 1095-A for last year’s Marketplace coverage may be available in your account between mid-January and February 1, and it should arrive by mail by mid-February.
To get Marketplace coverage, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting on January 1. If you enroll by January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1. Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of the year. Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP, and check if you qualify.
Create an account to start your application. You can also apply by phone, with assistance from a trained community representative, or by using a paper application. Access forms and get help with your application.
Most households consist of the applicant, their spouse, and any dependents claimed on their tax return. Be sure to include your expected household income for the year you’re seeking coverage, rather than last year’s income.
Follow these steps to estimate your expected household income, and use our calculator for a quick estimate.
After completing your application or enrolling in a Marketplace plan, you may be asked to submit documents to verify or update your information. The quickest and easiest way to do this is by uploading the documents online. Alternatively, you can mail copies if you prefer.
Outside of Open Enrollment, you’ll need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to change your health plan for the remainder of the year. You may be eligible if you experience certain life events, such as having a baby, getting married, losing health coverage, or if your income falls within a specific range. To find out more, visit our page on Special Enrollment Periods.
You can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time throughout the year. These programs offer low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women.
For more information, refer to the glossary or learn more about Medicaid and CHIP.
For this year: Update your application with any changes to your income and household as soon as possible. Learn how to report changes.
During Open Enrollment: Log into your Marketplace account to update your pre-filled application with your current information. Then, choose a new plan or renew your existing coverage.
You can cancel your coverage at any time. However, if you're transitioning to other health coverage, such as through a new job, make sure to confirm the start date of your new plan before ending your Marketplace coverage.
Before canceling your Marketplace plan, consider the following:
- Re-enrollment Restrictions: Once you cancel, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to sign up again.
- Health and Financial Risks: Unexpected illness or injury can lead to high medical expenses without insurance. Health coverage provides financial protection and access to necessary care, including free preventive services to maintain your health.
Evaluate the benefits of health coverage and make an informed decision before canceling your plan.
Your potential savings are determined by your expected household income for the year you’re seeking coverage. Enter your household size and estimated income to get an estimate of your savings. When you apply, you’ll receive an exact calculation based on the additional details provided in your application.
If your income qualifies you for additional savings, known as "cost-sharing reductions," you'll need to enroll in a Silver plan to take advantage of these benefits. A Silver plan offers you a lower premium, reduced deductible, and lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit the doctor or have other medical expenses.