You should apply for Marketplace coverage in the state that’s your primary place of living, so the state where you live and rent or own a home, work, or go to school. Don’t apply in a state you’re visiting for vacation or staying in only to get medical treatment.
When you fill out your application, your household usually includes the tax filer, spouse, and any tax dependents. If the members on your application live in different states, they may be able to apply on their own or with you. Read the questions below for more information.
What if I go to college in a state that’s different from my parents?
When a parent applies for Marketplace coverage, they can include you on their application if they’ll claim you as a tax dependent.
- If you go to college in a state that’s different from your parents and your parent claims you as a tax dependent, you can seek coverage with your parent in the state that’s their primary place of living or in the state where you live and go to college.
- If you want to seek coverage in the state where you live and go to college, see “What if my household members live in different states” below for more information.
You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period when you move to or from the place you live and go to college. Learn more.
What if my household members live in different states?
If you and your tax household members (like your spouse or dependents, if you have any) live in different states, any member can apply for Marketplace coverage in either:
- The state that’s their primary place of living
- The state that’s the primary place of living for any tax filer in the household
If you live in a different state from the rest of your tax household and are seeking coverage in the state where you live, you should fill out an application for the state in which you live but include everybody in your tax household on your application. When asked if your household members are applying for coverage, say “No,” even if they’re applying for coverage in a different state on a different application.