Health insurance is usually a 12-month contract between you and your insurance company. During Open Enrollment (November 1-January 15), be sure to enroll in new health coverage or re-enroll in your current coverage to stay covered for the year ahead.
If you have a Marketplace plan, you’ll get a letter from your insurance company explaining changes to premiums and benefits for the coming year. It’s helpful to have the letter available when you review all of the coverage options available to you. This is important, because you might now be eligible for lower costs than last year, even if your information didn’t change.
If you use the online Marketplace application at HealthCare.gov, you’ll be asked if you want to start a new application or re-enroll in existing coverage.
Select “Yes” to find out if you’re eligible for different health plans, or a different amount of help paying for coverage.
After you select "Yes," follow these steps:
- Update your application. Select your most current application, step through each page, and make changes as needed. When you submit your updated application, you’ll get a new eligibility notice.
- Compare costs and coverage. See how last year’s plan compares to the newest options. To view your current plan, check the letter from your insurance company and search by the plan ID number, if it’s included. You can also contact the Marketplace Call Center if you need help.
- Choose a health plan. You can keep the same plan if it’s still offered, or choose a new one.
- Enroll in coverage. You can contact your plan to confirm enrollment. Be sure to pay your premium.