Marketplace Insurance: When Can You Sign Up?

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a federal program that helps individuals and families shop for and enroll in health insurance. The Marketplace offers a range of plans, including those that provide free or low-cost coverage to low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The Marketplace also includes the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost health coverage to children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to purchase private insurance. The open enrollment period for 2025 coverage through the Marketplace begins on November 1, with coverage starting as early as January 1 for those who enroll and pay their first premium by December 15.

Open Enrollment

During Open Enrollment, you can apply for coverage, update your application with any expected changes for the year ahead, or compare plans and costs. You can apply for coverage in several ways, including with the help of someone in your community, through an agent or broker, through certified enrollment partner websites, or with a paper application.

If you are already enrolled in insurance coverage through the Marketplace, you should report any changes in your circumstances—such as changes to your household income or family size—to the Marketplace as soon as they occur. Changes in circumstances may affect your advance payments of the premium tax credit. Reporting a change in circumstances may also make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to purchase health care insurance through the Marketplace outside of the Open Enrollment period.

The last day of Open Enrollment for 2025 is January 15. After this date, you can only enroll in or change Marketplace health plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Special Enrollment Period

The Open Enrollment Period for 2025 coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace® starts on November 1. During this time, you can apply for new coverage or update your application with any expected changes for the year ahead.

However, outside of this period, you can still get coverage or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This is a time when you can sign up for health insurance outside of the yearly Open Enrollment Period. To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you must have experienced certain life events, such as losing your health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child. You may also qualify if your household income falls below a certain amount.

During the Special Enrollment Period, you can take advantage of the same benefits offered during the Open Enrollment Period. All plans offered in the Marketplace cover 10 essential health benefits, including outpatient care, hospitalization, pregnancy and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, rehabilitative services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services. Some states may require insurers to cover additional services.

If you are new to the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can follow these steps to apply and enroll:

• Create a Marketplace account by entering basic information, such as your name, address, and email address.
• Compare health plans and prices available in your area.
• Enroll in the plan that best meets your needs.
• Pay your premium to your insurance company for your coverage to start.

Marketplace health plans

The Marketplace offers a range of health plans from different insurance companies, allowing individuals to compare and choose the plan that best meets their needs. These plans cover essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, laboratory services, and mental health and substance use disorder services.

To enrol in a Marketplace health plan, individuals can visit HealthCare.gov or their state-run Marketplace website to create an account and browse available plans. They will need to provide basic information such as their name, address, and email address. It is important to note that Open Enrollment for 2025 coverage starts on November 1, with coverage beginning as early as January 1 for those who enrol and pay their first premium by December 15.

Individuals who experience certain life changes, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period outside of the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Additionally, those with household incomes below a certain level may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, individuals can enrol in or change their Marketplace health plans.

Applying for coverage

Step 1: Create an Account

If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account on HealthCare.gov. This will involve providing some basic information such as your name, address, and email address. Once you have created your account, you will be able to log in and access your application.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information

Before you start your application, it is important to gather the necessary information. You can use the checklist provided by HealthCare.gov to ensure you have everything you need. This may include information about your income, household, and current health coverage.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can complete your application. The application will ask for information about your income, household, and current health coverage. It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information to ensure you receive the correct coverage and savings.

Step 4: Submit the Application

After you have completed the application, you will need to submit it. Once your application is submitted, you will receive your "Eligibility Results", which will show you what coverage and savings you qualify for.

Step 5: Enroll in a Health Plan

If you are eligible for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can then enroll in a health plan. You can compare health plans and prices available in your area and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Step 6: Pay Your First Premium

After you have enrolled in a health plan, you will need to pay your first premium to the insurance company for your coverage to start. Your coverage will not start until you have paid this first premium.

It is important to note that the Open Enrollment Period for 2025 coverage is from November 1 to January 15. During this period, you can apply for coverage, update your application, or change plans. If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you may still be able to apply for coverage during a Special Enrollment Period if you have experienced certain life events or if your income is below a certain amount.

Updating your application

Step 1: Log in to Your Account

To update your application, you will need to log in to your Health Insurance Marketplace account. You can do this by visiting HealthCare.gov and entering your login credentials. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one by providing some basic information, such as your name, address, and email address.

Step 2: Review Your Current Application

Once you are logged in, take the time to review your current application. Go through the information you previously provided, including your personal details, household income, and family size. This will help you identify what changes need to be made.

Step 3: Make the Necessary Updates

Identify the sections of your application that need to be updated. This could include changes to your household income, family size, or any other relevant information. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date details to ensure your application reflects your current situation.

Step 4: Save and Submit Your Updates

After making the necessary changes, carefully review your updated application to ensure all the information is correct. Once you are satisfied, save your changes and submit your updated application. By submitting your updates, you will ensure that your application stays current and accurate, which is important for receiving the correct coverage and benefits.

Step 5: Stay Informed About Deadlines

Keep in mind that there are specific deadlines for updating your application. Open Enrollment, which runs from November 1 to January 15, is the main period when you can make changes to your application. However, if you experience certain qualifying life events, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period outside of the Open Enrollment window. Staying informed about these deadlines will help ensure you don't miss any important opportunities to update your application.

Frequently asked questions