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The Health Insurance Marketplace


By: healthcare.gov

Here’s a quick look at the Health Insurance Marketplace (sometimes known as the health insurance “exchange” or “Obamacare exchange”).

1. Open Enrollment for 2017 coverage is November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017

See all Marketplace dates and deadlines.

2. What you pay for insurance depends on your income — and you’ll probably save

Your savings depend on your expected household income for the year. Over 8 in 10 people who apply are eligible to save, and most can find plans for between $50 and $100 per month (after accounting for their premium tax credit).

Get a quick idea if you'll save. Based on your income estimate, we’ll tell you if you qualify for:

A health insurance plan with savings

  • You may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly insurance bill, and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.
  • The plans are offered by private insurance companies with a range of prices and features.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost coverage to millions of people and families with limited income, disabilities, and some other situations.

3. You can apply for coverage 4 ways

Apply any way that works for you:

  • Online
  • By phone
  • With in-person help
  • With a paper application

4. The Marketplace is for people without health coverage

The Marketplace is primarily for people who don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source of qualifying coverage.

  • If you have job-based insurance: You can buy a Marketplace plan, but you’ll pay full price unless your job-based insurance doesn’t meet certain standards. Most job-based plans do.
    • If your dependents aren’t offered coverage under your plan, they may qualify for savings.
    • If they are offered your coverage but aren’t enrolled in it, or you don’t enroll in it, they won’t qualify for savings.
  • If you have Medicare: You can’t switch to Marketplace insurance, use a Marketplace plan as a supplement, or buy a Marketplace dental plan. Learn about Medicare and the Marketplace.

5. If you don’t have health insurance, you may have to pay a fee

Most people must have qualifying health coverage or pay a penalty.

  • For 2017, the penalty is either: 2.5% of your household income or $695 per adult ($347.50 per child), whichever is higher. Learn about the fee.
  • Some people qualify for an exemption from the health insurance requirement.