Still need coverage for 2015?
February 15 was the last day to enroll in or change a Marketplace plan for 2015. You can still get coverage two ways:
If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life change like marriage, having a baby, or losing other coverage
Through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provide coverage to families and individuals with limited income or other reasons.
If you apply: Gather everything you need before you call or log in (PDF)
Most people are eligible to use the Health Insurance Marketplace.
To be eligible for health coverage through the Marketplace, you:
- Must live in the United States
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses.
- Can't be incarcerated
If you have Medicare coverage, you’re not eligible to use the Marketplace to buy a health or dental plan. Learn more about Medicare and the Marketplace.
U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.
U.S. citizens living in a foreign country for at least 330 days of a 12-month period are not required to get health insurance coverage for that 12-month period. If you're uninsured and living abroad under this definition, you qualify for a health insurance exemption. This means you don’t have to pay the fee that other uninsured people must pay.
See question 12 on this IRS document to learn more about the rules for people living abroad.
Generally, health insurance in the Marketplace covers health care provided by doctors, hospitals, and other providers within the United States. If you're living abroad, it's important to know this before you consider buying Marketplace insurance.
More Questions: Marketplace Eligibility
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How is “live in the United States” defined?
If you’re considered a “resident” of the United States for tax purposes, you’re eligible to use the Marketplace.
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Who is considered a U.S. national?
A U.S. national is someone who’s a U.S. citizen or a person who isn’t a U.S. citizen but owes permanent allegiance to the U.S.
With extremely limited exception by which he or she is entitled to be protected, all non-citizen U.S. nationals are people born in American Samoa or abroad with one or more American Samoan parents under certain conditions.
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What if I’m a resident of a U.S. territory?
U.S. territories can decide whether to create their own Health Insurance Marketplace or expand Medicaid coverage. Residents of a U.S. territory aren't eligible to apply for health coverage using the federal or state Marketplace unless they also qualify as a resident within the service area of a Marketplace.
Residents of U.S. territories are not required to have health coverage under the health care law.