How to get insurance through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
How to enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan
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 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.
How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid provides health insurance for people with a low income. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children. Learn about eligibility and how to apply.
Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible:
Children
People who are pregnant
People age 65 or over
People with disabilities
Find and check with your state’s Medicaid agency to see if you or your family members are eligible. Each state has its own requirements.
In general, eligibility depends on at least one or a combination of:
Age
Income level
Number of people in your family
If you are pregnant or have a disability
How to apply for Medicaid
You can apply for Medicaid any time of year in one of the following ways:
Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to apply. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.
Find out if your child is eligible for CHIP
If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.
CHIP qualifications are different in every state. In most cases, they depend on income. Find out if your child qualifies for coverage with CHIP.
How to apply for CHIP
You can apply for CHIP in one of the following ways:
Find a CHIP program by state.
Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.
Find a doctor or care provider who accepts Medicaid or CHIP
Not every provider accepts Medicaid. To locate a Medicaid or CHIP medical provider, find and check with your state's Medicaid agency.