Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment: 8 Things to Know

​Marketplace Open Enrollment at www.healthcare.gov is November 1 through January 15 each year.

You and your family may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for health insurance.

Here are the key things to know:

1. Open enrollment begins November 1. That is the first day that you can enroll, re-enroll, or change health plans for the following year.

• You must enroll in or change Marketplace plans by December 15 for coverage to start January 1.
  

• You must enroll in or change Marketplace plans by January 15 for coverage starting February 1.

2. If you signed up last year and want to make changes to your coverage, enroll in a different plan by December 15 so it starts January 1. Otherwise, you'll be automatically re-enrolled in a health insurance plan. If you are automatically re-enrolled and coverage started, you can change plans until January 15.

3. To make sure you have a plan that works for you, with the savings you qualify for, log in at the Health Insurance Marketplace and update your application. This lets you view and compare all your plan options for the upcoming year.

4. Financial assistance based on income is available to help make health coverage more affordable. Find out whether you are eligible by logging on to www.healthcare.gov.

5. You can apply for coverage four different ways:

• Online

• By phone

• With in-person help

• With a paper application

6. If you missed open enrollment (November 1 through January 15), you may still be able to get coverage if:

• You qualify for a special enrollment period.

• You are eligible for Medicaid.

• Your children are eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

• Find out if you qualify here.

7. To make the sign-up process as smooth as possible, have the following information available:

• Your income

• A form of identification

• Proof of citizenship or lawful presence

• Social Security number

• ZIP code
  

8. As you check your own insurance options, remember to make sure your children are covered! If they are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll at any time of year. Learn more at www.insurekidsnow.gov.

Need help signing up?

Find helpers in your community to assist you in navigating the process: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov

For more information and to sign up, visit www.healthcare.gov.

More information

• Health Insurance
  

• Medicaid & the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): 5 Facts for Families
  

• InsureKidsNow.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
  

• Find Local Help (HealthCare.gov)