If you apply for an exemption from the shared responsibility payment, you’ll get a notice of exemption eligibility from the Marketplace. The notice displays an Exemption Certificate Number (ECN) for each person that qualifies on your Exemption application. It’s in the “Eligibility Results” column in the notice.
You’ll need the ECN
- To enroll in a Catastrophic health plan in the Marketplace, if you qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption and complete an application for Marketplace coverage.
- To complete IRS Form 8965—Health Coverage Exemptions, if you plan to file a federal income tax return. You need to use this form when you file so the IRS knows that this person has an exemption from the requirement to have health insurance.
Enroll in a Catastrophic plan
If you qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption, you may also be eligible to enroll in a Catastrophic health plan. Your ECN lets the Marketplace know if you’re eligible to compare and enroll in Catastrophic plans. You need to start an application for Marketplace coverage before you can enter your ECN to report this exemption.
Before you enter an ECN in your Marketplace account:
- Create a Marketplace account if you don’t already have one. Visit HealthCare.gov, select “Log In” at the top right of your screen, then select “Create one.”
- Log in and start your Marketplace application (or select your existing one).
Entering your ECN when you apply, submit your application and enroll in a single session
After you download and read your Eligibility Results notice, select “Continue to enrollment.” You’ll see a blue screen with steps to select a plan. Click on “Enter an Exemption Certification Number” at the bottom left to get started.
- Select “Add exemption.” Enter each person’s name, date of birth, and ECN, then select “Submit exemption.” Repeat for each person with an ECN for hardship or affordability.
- Click “2018 application for Individuals & Families” in the blue bar near the top of the screen.
- Then, click the green button and continue through steps to view plans and enroll. If you change groups after you select a plan, you’ll need to reselect your plan or plans.
If you entered an ECN for everyone on your application, Catastrophic plans will be available when you view plans.
If someone doesn’t qualify for a hardship or affordability ECN, Catastrophic plans won’t be displayed for any health plan group that includes this person. If you don’t see Catastrophic plans and you want to view all of the plans that each person is eligible for, select “To-do list/change my information” in the upper right side of your screen. Choose “START” for the “Choose a health plan” step. Then select “Change groups” and edit your family groups so that someone with a hardship or affordability ECN isn’t in the same group as someone without one of these types of ECN.
Returning to your existing application to enter your ECN
Log in, click on your name in the upper right corner of your screen, then select “My applications & coverage.”
If you already started a Marketplace application but didn’t submit it, select your active application, then complete and submit it. Select “View eligibility results,” and download and read your notice. Then select “Continue to enrollment” and follow the steps above.
If you already submitted a Marketplace application but haven’t enrolled yet, select your submitted application and click “Eligibility and appeals” on the left menu. Select “View eligibility results,” and download and read your notice. Then select “Continue to enrollment” and follow the steps above.
You can also call the Marketplace Call Center to enter an ECN, compare plans, and enroll. Call at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). If you have general questions about your taxes, visit IRS.gov. Free tax help is available if you qualify through Free File or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.