How to get insurance through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace

Find out if you are eligible for a Health Insurance Marketplace plan

See if you are eligible to use the Health Insurance Marketplace. There is no income limit. 

To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you:

• Must live in the United States
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses.
• Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you have special patient protection when you are insured through the Health Insurance Marketplace:

• Insurers cannot refuse coverage based on sex or a pre-existing condition.
• There are no lifetime or annual limits on coverage for essential health benefits.
• Young adults can stay on their family's insurance plan until age 26.

Learn more about your rights under the Affordable Care Act.

How much is insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The amount you pay for your health insurance may depend on where you live, your income, and the size of your household. Health insurance costs include a premium, which is what you pay for your insurance plan each month. But, if you seek health care services, you may also have to pay out-of-pocket costs. Learn about these out-of-pocket costs, including:

• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Copayments

Find out about choosing a health insurance plan and estimate what you may pay per year for coverage.

How to enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan

There is a wide range of Health Insurance Marketplace plans to choose from. They offer coverage for not only medical care but also dental and vision. Find out what services all plans cover and what additional coverage is available.

To get started, go to Healthcare.gov to find your state Health Insurance Marketplace. Each state's Marketplace has its own enrollment instructions.

During the Marketplace open enrollment period each year, you can:

• Choose a plan for the first time
• Continue in your current plan
• Make changes to your current Marketplace insurance plan
• Choose a new plan to replace your current plan

If you experience a life event like moving or having a baby, you may be able to change your coverage during a special enrollment period. You may also qualify for a special enrollment period if your household income is below a certain amount. 

Learn about Marketplace's special enrollment and see if you are eligible.