How to apply & enroll

A federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities. It also covers people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

Refer to glossary for more details.

Insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people below certain income levels.

Refer to glossary for more details.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Insurance program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.

Refer to glossary for more details.

You can change plans during Open Enrollment

The yearly period (November 1 – January 15) when people can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan.

Refer to glossary for more details.

. Outside of Open Enrollment, you can change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

Refer to glossary for more details.

due to a life event — like changing jobs, getting married, having a baby, or based on estimated household income. Check if you qualify.

You usually have 60 days from the life event to enroll in a new plan, but you should report your change as soon as possible.

Report a change to get a Special Enrollment Period

Reporting changes makes sure you get the right amount of savings towards your Marketplace plan. You may also qualify to switch plans.

First, report the change by updating your application. Then, review your Eligibility Results. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can shop for plans and enroll in one that meets your needs.

How to cancel your plan without replacing it

You can cancel your Marketplace plan any time, but there are important things to consider:

Once you cancel your coverage, you might have to wait for the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll again.
The significant health and financial benefits of having health coverage — and risks if you don’t. Nobody expects to get sick or hurt. But medical care without insurance is very expensive, so it’s important to have protection if the unexpected happens.
Health coverage helps you get regular care, including free preventive services, to keep you healthy. Learn about the benefits of health coverage.