5 Questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace, and their answers!
When is enrollment open?
Open enrollment is the time of year when people can enroll in a health insurance plan. The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs from early November through mid-December every year, with coverage beginning in the new year.
You can also get health insurance in the following 2 ways:
· If you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby, you can enroll at any time.
· If you are eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) , you can apply at any time.
To apply for or re-enroll in your Marketplace coverage, visit carehealth.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (press 8 for Spanish). TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
To make the application process faster and easier, please gather the information below before you begin your application. Healthcare.gov clarifies that all of the information listed below is not necessary if you are applying for coverage without savings.
· Name and date of birth
Information about your household
Address or mailing address
Information about people applying for coverage
· Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
Information about the professional who is helping you apply (if applicable)
Information from your immigration document
Information about how you file your taxes
Information about your employer and your income
Information about your health coverage
Have completed the “Employer Coverage Tool”
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Notice
What are Special Enrollment Periods?
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are times outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you've had certain life events, including losing your health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
Depending on the type of Special Enrollment Period, you may have 60 days before and 60 days after the life event to enroll in a plan. If you don't enroll within the Special Enrollment Period time window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to apply. If you are eligible, you can enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP , at any time of the year, whether or not you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Who is eligible to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace?
To be eligible to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace , you must live in the United States, be a US citizen or national (or be lawfully present), and not be incarcerated. If you have Medicare coverage, you are not eligible to use the Marketplace to purchase a medical or dental plan.
What types of coverage are there?
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for an insurance plan with tax credits, Medicaid or CHIP . To see if you qualify, check your income to determine if you're eligible.
What do the Marketplace Health Insurance plans cover?
All plans available in the Insurance Market cover these 10 essential health benefits :
Outpatient services (these are services you get without being admitted to the hospital)
· Emergency services
Hospitalization (such as surgeries and hospitalizations)
Pregnancy, maternity and neonatal services
Mental health and substance abuse services, including behavior modification treatments (such as counseling and psychotherapy)
· Prescription drugs
Rehabilitation services and devices (for people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic illnesses to gain or regain mental and physical skills)
Laboratory services
Wellness and preventive services and chronic disease management
Pediatric services, including vision and oral care
Access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance is essential and could help you receive medical treatment at a lower cost than paying out of pocket. Benefits.gov wants to keep you informed of your health coverage options. If you don't have health insurance, now is the time to consider signing up for a plan. We invite you to take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to find other benefits for which you may be eligible.
