News Center

A change to your living place may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to change plans or enroll for the rest of 2021. Your next steps depend on if you moved to a different state or within the same one.

Did you move to a new state?

• When you move to a new state, you can’t keep your current coverage. Report the move to the Marketplace, so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage. By quickly reporting the move, you’ll also avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t apply where you now live.
• Follow these steps to update your application if you already have 2021 Marketplace coverage.
• If you’re new to the Marketplace and applying for the first time, create a HealthCare.gov account. (If your state runs its own Marketplace, use their website.)

Did you move within the same state?

• Your coverage options and savings probably won’t change based only on your new address.
• But you should still report the change by following these instructions.

Learn more about other income and household changes to report to the Marketplace.

Open Enrollment for 2022 health coverage is almost here! Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

When can I enroll in 2022 Marketplace coverage?

• Open Enrollment starts Monday, November 1.
• Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

Looking for coverage for the rest of 2021? Answer these questions to see if you can apply through a Special Enrollment Period. You can also enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time, if you’re eligible. Coverage can begin immediately.

Now that the August 15 enrollment deadline due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency has passed, you can get or change 2021 Marketplace coverage only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

What life events qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period?

• A change in your situation, like getting married, moving, having a baby, or losing health coverage, can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. See the full list of life events.
• Not sure your life event counts? Answer a few quick questions to find out.
• Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you usually have 60 days before or 60 days after the event to enroll in or change a plan.
• If your life event makes you eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can enroll in these programs immediately.

How to apply with a Special Enrollment Period

• If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, create an account or log into an existing one to enroll in or change a plan for 2021.
• You may be asked to submit documents to confirm the life event that makes you eligible.

If you're not eligible to apply with a Special Enrollment Period for the rest of 2021, you can apply for a 2022 health plan November 1 through December 15, 2021.

Need coverage for the rest of 2021? You have through August 15, 2021 to enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans due to a Special Enrollment Period for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past. Learn more about new, lower costs.

Beat the deadline & apply today

• If you already have a HealthCare.gov account, log in to apply for or change a plan.
• If you’re new to HealthCare.gov and are applying for the first time, create an account to get started.
• Before you apply, you can preview plans and prices based on your income.

{% box %} IMPORTANT: What if I miss the August 15 deadline?

• You can enroll or change 2021 coverage after August 15 only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
• If you’re eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can enroll in these programs any time. {% endbox %}

Get help applying

• You can get help filling out your application 3 ways: by phone, with an in-person assister, or with an agent/broker. Get help applying for Marketplace insurance.
• You also have several ways to apply and enroll.

You can change Marketplace health coverage if you’re already enrolled or can apply for the first time during the 2021 Special Enrollment Period through August 15, 2021.

Applying for the first time?

• Create an account to start an application.
• When you apply for Marketplace coverage, you’ll find out if you qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium.
• More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage. Premiums after these savings will go down.

Already have coverage but want to change plans?

• Most people currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan may qualify for more tax credits.
• Log in to update your application and enrollment. Your new eligibility results will be available right away, and they’ll show you the extra tax credit amount. Then, update your plan selection with increased tax credits.
• Note: If you select a new plan, any out-of-pocket costs you already paid for your current 2021 Marketplace plan probably won’t count towards your new deductible, even if you stay with the same insurance company. Check with your insurance company before switching.

Learn more about the new Special Enrollment Period for the COVID-19 public health emergency and the new savings available.

If you're enrolled in a Marketplace plan and your income or household changes, update your application as soon as possible. These changes may affect the coverage or savings you’re eligible for. If you don’t report them, you could qualify for more savings than you’re getting now or wind up having to pay money back when you file 2021 taxes next year.

How to report income & household changes

• You report changes to the Marketplace by updating your application. See which changes to report.
• You can update your application online, by phone, or in person but not by mail.
• See how to update your application online.

What to do if you move

• If you’ve moved to a new address within the same state, update your application online.
• If you moved to a different state, start a new application in your new state:
  • When you move to a new state, you can’t keep your plan from your old state.
  • Report out-of-state moves as soon as possible, so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage and avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t apply in your new state.
• See what to do if you move out of state.

Get more information on reporting changes to the Marketplace.

Here’s how you can use your Marketplace health insurance to help you stay healthy this summer.

3 quick tips: Maintaining your health this summer

• Take advantage of free preventive services, like screenings for things like cancer and depression, shots, and check-ups. These services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
• Increase activity with your doctor’s approval. Enjoy the beautiful weather by gardening or walking your dog. It doesn’t have to feel like exercise!
• Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can impact your mood and performance. Learn how much sleep you need.

{% box %} Still need coverage for the rest of 2021? You can enroll in Marketplace insurance through August 15, 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past. {% endbox %}

See more tips on improving your health.

Now that you’re enrolled in 2021 Marketplace insurance, don’t forget to pay your monthly premium directly to your health insurance company, not to the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Your coverage won't start until you do.

How to pay your monthly premium online at HealthCare.gov

1. Log in to your Marketplace account.
2. Select your application under "Your Existing Applications."
3. Click the blue button "Pay Your First Health Insurance Monthly Premium."
4. If online payment is available, choose the green button "Pay for Health Plan Now" to go to your insurance company's website. (If this isn’t an option, your insurance company should have contacted you with next steps. Reach out to them for information on how to pay or if you aren’t sure that you did. You can find their phone number on your plan brochure or their website.)

{% box important %} Make sure you continue to pay your monthly premiums to your health insurance company on time.

If you don't, they could end your coverage. {% endbox %}

{% box %} Still need coverage for the rest of 2021?

You can enroll in Marketplace insurance through August 15, 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.

Get more information on activating your coverage by paying your first premium. {% endbox %}

Congratulations, recent graduates! Here are 3 health insurance options to help protect you from unexpected medical costs if you get hurt or sick.

3 health insurance options for young adults

• Enroll in Marketplace health coverage through August 15, 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.

  • Note: If your student health plan is ending, you’re moving to a new state, or you experience other life changes, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Marketplace health plan any time for the rest of 2021.
  • Create an account to get started.

• If you’re under 26, you may be able to enroll in a parent’s health insurance plan if their plan covers dependents.

• If you’re just starting out, you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid. If you qualify, you can enroll immediately. When your income increases, you can adjust or change your coverage to make sure you're getting the right amount of savings.

  • When you apply for Marketplace coverage, we’ll tell you if you qualify for an insurance plan with savings based on your income, or for Medicaid.
  • If you have children, you’ll find out if they qualify for coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Get information on applying at HealthCare.gov.

All private health plans offered in the Marketplace must cover these 10 essential health benefits regardless of the plan category and type. (Note: These are the minimum requirements for all Marketplace plans. Specific services covered in each broad benefit category can vary based on your state's requirements.)

Covered essential health benefits

• Ambulatory patient services
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization
• Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (pre and post birth)
• Mental health and substance use disorder services
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care

Other services may be available to you

• Marketplace plans include breastfeeding and birth control coverage.
• Your plan may also offer dental and vision coverage and medical management programs (for specific needs like weight management, back pain, and diabetes).

See what else your Marketplace heath plan covers.