How to Get Health Insurance Through the ACA Marketplace
Apply at healthcare.gov or your state exchange during open enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15). You can get premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. The larger credits that ran from 2021–2025 expired on 31 December 2025, so you will likely pay more than in 2025.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — credits now limited to 100–400% of the poverty level
- Total time:
- 1–2 hours
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- healthcare.gov
Last reviewed November 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due May 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(November 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Know your enrollment window
For 2027 coverage, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; enroll December 16 – January 15 for coverage starting February 1. Outside these dates, you need a qualifying life event to enroll. Examples are losing a job, getting married, moving, or having a baby. You then get a 60-day special enrollment window.
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- Before You Go 30 min
Estimate your household income
Your help with costs is based on the income you expect to earn this year. Use your recent pay stubs to work this out. If you guess too high, you may have to pay back credits at tax time. If you guess too low, you get a bigger refund.
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- Before You Go 15 min
Check if you qualify for Medicaid instead
In expansion states, you can get free MedicaidState + federal health coverage for low income — Free or very low-cost health coverage run by states with federal money. Eligibility varies by state.Click for official info ↗ if your income is under 138% of the federal poverty level. That is about $22,000 in 2026 for a single person. The marketplace will send you to Medicaid on its own. In states that did not expand Medicaid, there is a gap in coverage.
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- Fill / Prepare 45–60 min
Create an account and apply
Apply at healthcare.gov or your state exchange. Examples are Covered California and NY State of Health. The form asks about your household, your income, and your citizenship/immigration status. From 1 January 2027, only some groups can get premium tax credits and extra savings. These groups are lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants. Other lawfully present immigrants can still buy Marketplace coverage, but without this help. DACA recipients cannot enroll in Marketplace coverage (since 25 August 2025).
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- Fill / Prepare 30–60 min
Compare plans and pick a tier
Bronze plans have the lowest monthly cost but a high deductible. They can be good if you are healthy. Silver plans give the best value if you qualify for extra savings. Gold/Platinum plans cost more each month but cost less when you get care. They can be good if you use care often. Check that your doctors are in the plan network.
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- Submit & Pay 15 min
Enroll and pay your first premium
Pick a plan and enroll. Then PAY your first premium directly to the insurance company. Your coverage does not start until your payment goes through. This is true even if the marketplace says "enrolled."
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- Follow Up ongoing
Report income changes
If your income changes a lot during the year, your help with costs also changes. Tell the marketplace about the change. This helps you avoid surprises at tax time.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Missing the enrollment window. For 2027 coverage, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Outside these dates, you need a qualifying life event, and you then get a 60-day special enrollment window.
Guessing your income wrong. Your help with costs is based on the income you expect to earn this year. Use your recent pay stubs to work this out. If you guess too high, you may have to pay back credits at tax time.
Expecting the bigger credits from past years. The larger credits that ran from 2021 to 2025 expired on 31 December 2025, so credits are now smaller than in 2025. You can get premium tax credits if your household income is between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Compare plans and do not assume you will get a $0 premium.
Picking a plan without checking your doctors. Check that your doctors are in the plan network. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly cost but a high deductible. Silver plans give the best value if you qualify for extra savings.
Thinking you are covered before you pay. Pick a plan and enroll. Then pay your first premium directly to the insurance company. Your coverage does not start until your payment goes through. This is true even if the marketplace says "enrolled."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What income gets the biggest subsidy?
You can get premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2027 coverage, that is $15,960–$63,840 for a single person, per HealthCare.gov. The larger credits that kept premiums at 0–8.5% of income expired on 31 December 2025, and credits are now smaller than in 2025. Compare plans. Do not assume you will get a $0 premium.
Can immigrants use the marketplace?
Lawfully present immigrants can buy marketplace plans. From 1 January 2027, only some groups qualify for premium tax credits and extra savings. These groups are lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants. Other lawfully present immigrants can enroll without this help. This includes TPS holders and visa holders. DACA recipients cannot enroll in Marketplace coverage. Undocumented residents cannot use the federal marketplace. They may be able to use state programs or community clinics.
What happens if I miss open enrollment?
You must wait a full year. You do not have to wait if you have a qualifying life event. Examples are losing job coverage, getting married, getting divorced, having a new baby, or moving to a new state. Short-term plans are available, but they do not cover health problems you already have.
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