How To Sign Up For Marketplace Health Insurance: By State

If you’re wondering how to sign up for marketplace health insurance, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through the process, explain where and when you can sign up, and help you get the affordable coverage you need.

Whether you’re looking to sign up for marketplace health insurance during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment, we’ve got you covered!

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As a certified partner of Healthcare.gov and these state exchanges, we offer the same plans and prices with free dedicated support for your peace of mind.

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Licensed in FL, GA, MD, NC, NJ, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA

If you live in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Virginia we’ll help you sign up through your state-based marketplace at no additional cost:

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Who Can Get Marketplace Health Insurance?

Eligibility for Marketplace health insurance is generally straightforward. To qualify, you must:

Reside in the United States.
Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawfully present.
Not be incarcerated.

Income levels and household size will determine your eligibility for premium tax credits, which can significantly reduce your monthly costs.

This comprehensive guide is designed to simplify the process and equip you with the knowledge you need to secure the right health plan for you and your family.

We’ll walk you through each step, from finding your state’s marketplace to understanding plan options and enrollment periods:

Where Can I Sign Up For Marketplace Health Insurance?

Signing up for Marketplace Health Insurance is easy once you know where to go!

Federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov)

Most Americans enroll through the federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov.
This website lets you compare plans, see if you qualify for subsidies (premium tax credits), and complete your enrollment.
If you’re unsure whether your state uses the federal marketplace, Healthcare.gov can confirm it for you.

State-Based Health Insurance Exchanges

A number of states operate their own marketplaces, offering similar services to the federal site.
These state-run exchanges often have features tailored to their residents.
If your state has its own exchange, you can enroll through that website.

The following states have their own websites, enrollment processes, and sometimes even extended enrollment periods or state-specific subsidies for the 2025 plan year.

States we serve have highlighted links:

California: Covered California (www.coveredca.com)
Colorado: Connect for Health Colorado (www.connectforhealthco.com)
Connecticut: Access Health CT (www.accesshealthct.com)
District of Columbia: DC Health Link (www.dchealthlink.com)
Georgia: Georgia Access (enroll.georgiaaccess.gov)
Idaho: Your Health Idaho (www.yourhealthidaho.org)
Kentucky: Kynect (kynect.ky.gov)
Maine: CoverME (www.coverme.gov)
Maryland: Maryland Health Connection (www.marylandhealthconnection.gov)
Massachusetts: Health Connector (www.mahealthconnector.org)
Minnesota: MNsure (www.mnsure.org)
Nevada: Nevada Health Link (www.nevadahealthlink.com)
New Jersey: Get Covered NJ (www.getcovered.nj.gov)
New Mexico: beWellnm (www.bewellnm.org)
New York: NY State of Health (www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov)
Pennsylvania: Pennie (www.pennie.com)
Rhode Island: HealthSource RI (www.healthsourceri.com)
Vermont: Vermont Health Connect (www.vermonthealthconnect.com)
Virginia: Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace (www.marketplace.virginia.gov/)
Washington: Washington Healthplanfinder (www.wahealthplanfinder.org)

ACA Certified Broker Website

In addition to the official government websites, you can also enroll in Marketplace insurance through your broker’s website.
ACA Certified brokers have access to the same plans and prices available on the federal and state exchanges.
Using an ACA certified broker can give you access to a helpful professional, at no extra cost to you.

When Can I Sign Up For Marketplace Health Insurance?

Understanding enrollment periods is essential for obtaining Marketplace health insurance coverage.

There are specific times during the year when you can sign up for a plan, known as open enrollment periods.

Typically, Open Enrollment occurs once a year, allowing individuals to enroll in a health insurance plan, make changes to their current coverage, or switch plans.

In addition to the annual open enrollment, there are Special Enrollment Periods.

These are triggered by qualifying life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage like an employer plan or Medicaid due to higher income.

It’s important to be aware of these timelines to ensure you can secure the health insurance you need when you need it.

This is the annual period when most individuals can enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans.
The dates vary slightly each year, but typically occur in the fall.
If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you’ll generally need a qualifying life event to enroll.

Open enrollment is the designated time period each year when you can enroll in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace. In most states, this period runs from November 1st to January 15th.

It’s crucial to mark these dates on your calendar, as missing the deadline typically means you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in coverage outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event.
Qualifying events include:
- Loss of other health coverage.
- Marriage or divorce.
- Birth or adoption of a child.
- Moving to a new area.
- Certain other life changes.
It is important to act quickly as special enrollment periods are typically 60 days from the qualifying event.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to sign up for Marketplace insurance outside of the standard open enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event. These events might include:

Loss of other health coverage: This could be due to job loss, divorce, or your current plan ending.
Changes in household size: Getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or death of a family member.
Change in residence: Moving to a new state or a new area within your state.
Other qualifying events: There are other less common qualifying events, so it’s always best to check with Healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace for a complete list.

Find the Best Marketplace Insurance

Here’s a brief overview of some of the major players, highlighting some of their key features before you sign up for marketplace insurance:

Ambetter

Ambetter often focuses on providing affordable plans with essential health benefits, including telehealth options.

They may be a good choice for individuals and families on a budget. Ambetter plans often feature:

Affordable premiums: Designed to fit various budget needs.
Telehealth services: Convenient access to doctors via phone or video.
Essential health benefits: Coverage for core medical services.

Ambetter Marketplace Health Insurance Plans

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of plans, often with nationwide coverage and value-added benefits like virtual visits and wellness programs. UnitedHealthcare plans may include:

Large provider network: Access to a wide range of doctors and hospitals.
Virtual visits: Convenient online access to healthcare professionals.
Wellness programs: Opportunities to earn rewards for healthy behaviors.

Independence

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) offers plans in select regions, often with a focus on local provider networks and community health initiatives. Independence plans may offer:

Regional focus: Plans tailored to specific communities.
Strong local provider network: Access to trusted local doctors and hospitals.
Emphasis on preventive care: Coverage for wellness and prevention services.

Aetna

Aetna is known for its extensive provider networks and comprehensive wellness programs. They can be a good option if having access to a broad network of doctors and hospitals is important to you. Aetna plans often feature:

Broad provider network: Extensive access to doctors and hospitals nationwide.
Wellness programs: Resources and support for healthy living.
Digital tools and resources: Online access to manage your health plan.

Sentara

Sentara offers plans in specific regions, often emphasizing integrated care and a focus on patient experience. Sentara plans may include:

Integrated care systems: Coordinated care between doctors and hospitals.
Focus on patient experience: Emphasis on quality and personalized care.
Local provider networks: Access to regional healthcare providers.

Disclaimer: Plan availability and specific benefits vary by location. Contact your broker for more information.

Our team is licensed and certified in FL, GA, MD, NC, NJ, PA, SC, TN, TX, and VA and provides free assistance to residents in those states.

If you live in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Virginia we can help you sign up through your state-based marketplace at no additional cost:

Follow these steps to enroll before the Open Enrollment deadline:

Whether you’re using the federal platform or a state-based exchange, the process is generally similar:

Visit Healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace: Start by navigating to the appropriate website. If your state has its own exchange, Healthcare.gov will redirect you.
Create an account: You’ll need to provide some basic information to create an account and verify your eligibility.
Compare plans: This is where you’ll see available plans from various insurance companies, including Ambetter, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. Pay close attention to premiums, deductibles, copayments, and network providers.
Check eligibility for subsidies: Based on your income and household size, you might qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) that can significantly lower your monthly insurance costs.
Select your plan and enroll: Once you’ve chosen the plan that best fits your needs and budget, you can complete the enrollment process.

Find a Marketplace Insurance Broker Near You

Navigating the Marketplace can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with health insurance terminology or have specific healthcare needs.

Consider working with a licensed insurance broker who can:

Help you compare plans: They have expertise in evaluating different plans and can help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Explain complex concepts: They can clarify confusing terms and answer your questions about coverage, costs, and benefits.
Assist with the enrollment process: They can guide you through the application and enrollment process, ensuring you have all the necessary information.
Provide personalized advice: Brokers can offer tailored recommendations based on your circumstances. Keyword: Marketplace Insurance Broker

Don’t wait – start exploring your options today!

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