How can we help you?
- Where can I find 2017 Marketplace plans & prices?
- Do I have to pay a penalty if I don’t have health coverage?
Probably.
- The fee is $695 per person ($347.50 per child) or 2.5% of your household income, whichever is higher. Get details on the penalty.
- Some people qualify for a health coverage exemption, which means they don’t have to pay the penalty. See who qualifies for an exemption.
- Do I qualify for savings?
The only way to know for sure is to fill out an application. But to get a quick idea:
- Select your state and household size to see if you’re in the range to save.
- Note: You can also preview plans and prices for 2017 and get an estimate of what plans cost based on your income.
- What are “cost sharing reductions,” and why is a Silver plan important?
If your eligibility results say you qualify for “cost sharing reductions” – also known as "Extra Savings" – you can save money on out-of-pocket health care costs. But you get these extra savings only if you enroll in a plan in the Silver category. In most cases Silver is your best choice: You’ll have a pretty low premium, with a lower deductible and lower costs whenever you go to the doctor or have other medical expenses.
- Learn more about why a Silver plan might be your best choice.
- What do I count as "income"?
The Marketplace bases savings on your estimated income for the year you want coverage – not last year’s income.
- Here’s an easy way to estimate your income for the Marketplace.
- Here are more details on the kinds of income that count.
- Who do I include in my “household”?
Most households include:
- The person applying for coverage
- Their spouse if they're married
- Anybody they claim as a dependent on their federal tax return — including those who don't need health coverage.
- When you apply, you can say which household members need coverage and which don’t.
- Get details about who’s in your household and if their income is counted.
- What if I was automatically enrolled in a plan I don't like?
Log into your HealthCare.gov account any time until January 31 to update your application and enroll in any available plan, even if your 2017 coverage has started.
- If I was automatically enrolled and like the plan, is there anything else I need to do?
Even if you like the plan you were automatically enrolled in, we strongly recommend you log in to your Marketplace account, update your application with your expected 2017 income and household information, and compare the plan you've been enrolled in with other 2017 plans. This way, you'll be sure you get the right amount of savings, and you may even find a new and more affordable plan that works better for you.
- You can do this any time until January 31, even if your coverage already started.
- Learn more about why it's important to update and compare, whether you like your plan or not.
- What if I wasn't automatically enrolled?
Log into your HealthCare.gov account, update your application, and check out the plans available for 2017. (Note: If you don't have a 2017 application in your account, you can start a new one.)
- You can enroll in 2017 coverage until January 31, 2017.
- Learn more about your options if you weren't automatically enrolled.
- How can I make sure my savings are right for 2017?
Premium tax credits and other savings are based on your expected income for 2017 (not last year's). The only way to be sure your savings are accurate is to log in and update your application with any income and household changes you expect for 2017.
- If you don't update your information, your savings could be wrong. You could wind up paying higher monthly premiums, or using more advance payments of the premium tax credit and having to pay back the difference when you file your taxes.
- What if I want to cancel the plan I was enrolled in for 2017?
How you cancel depends on the reason you're cancelling and whether you're ending coverage for everyone on your application or just some people. See how to cancel your plan.
- If you cancel by January 15, your 2017 coverage can end as soon as January 31, 2017.
- What are the enrollment deadlines for 2017 coverage?
- January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts for those who enrolled or changed plans by December 15
- January 15, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start February 1, 2017
- January 31, 2017: 2017 Open Enrollment ends. Enrollments or changes between January 16 and January 31 take effect March 31, 2017
- After January 31, 2017: You can still buy a health plan only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
- What if I'm enrolled in a 2017 plan but want to change it?
You can change your plan any time through January 31, even if your 2017 coverage has already started.
- Log into your account, select your 2017 application, and follow the directions on screen. Learn more about changing plans and enrollment deadlines.
- When filling out my application, what do I count as "income" and who do I include in my "household"?
- Most households include the person applying for coverage, their spouse, and anybody they claim as a dependent on their tax return. Learn more about who to include in your household.
- What information do I need before I start a Marketplace application?
Use our checklist (PDF) to make sure you have everything you need.
- Do I qualify for savings?
The only way to know for sure is to fill out an application. But to get a quick idea:
- Select your state and household size to see if you’re in the range to save.
- Note: You can also preview plans and prices for 2017 and get an estimate of what plans cost based on your income.
- How do I apply for 2017?
- If you don't have a HealthCare.gov account, create an account now.
- Already have a HealthCare.gov account? Log in to enroll, update your information, or compare plans for 2017.
- You can also apply by phone, with the help of a trained assister in your community, or with a paper application. Learn how to apply.
- You have until January 31, 2017 to sign up.
- What if I was automatically enrolled in a plan I don't like?
Log into your HealthCare.gov account any time until January 31 to update your application and enroll in any available plan, even if your 2017 coverage has started.
- Where can I find 2017 plans and prices?
Answer a few fast questions to preview plans with personalized price estimates before you apply.
- After I enroll in coverage, what do I have to do?
Once you enroll, you must pay your first premium directly to your insurance company — not the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your coverage won’t start until you pay your first premium. Learn more about how to pay your premium.
- Once you complete your enrollment, find out what you can do to get the care you need.
- What if I don't remember my user name, password, or security questions?
Reset your password or get your user name. Still need help? Get tips on logging into your account.
- Important: If you have a Marketplace account and can't log in, don't create a new one.
- Was I automatically enrolled for 2017?
You can check 3 ways:
- Log in and click “Start a new application or update an existing one.” If you’ve been automatically enrolled, you’ll see a blue box at the top of the next page. You can see plan details under “My Plans & Programs.”
- If you’ve been automatically enrolled, you’ll also get a notice. Log in and click “Messages” to see a copy.
- If you see a 2017 application marked “Status: Complete” in your Marketplace account, you’re enrolled for 2017.
- If none of the above shows that you’re enrolled OR if you want to change the plan you were automatically enrolled in, you can change plans or enroll until January 31, 2017.
- What documents will I need to file my 2016 taxes?
If anyone in your household was covered by a Marketplace plan in 2016, you’ll receive Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, in the mail by early February. You’ll use it to “reconcile” your premium tax credit.
- 2016 tax information will also be available soon at HealthCare.gov.
Important Dates
- November 1, 2016 Open Enrollment starts
- December 15, 2016 Enroll by this date for coverage to start January 1
- January 1, 2017 2017 coverage can start
- Upcoming important dateJanuary 31, 2017 Open Enrollment ends