Summer is a popular time for moving. If you recently moved to a new state, you can’t keep a health insurance plan from your old one. To make sure you stay covered, report your move to the Marketplace as soon as possible. This way, you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage and avoid paying for coverage you can’t use in your new state.

How to apply for health coverage in your new state

• Moving to a new state makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you can enroll in new coverage or change plans even though the annual Open Enrollment Period is over.
• How you apply depends on whether your new state uses HealthCare.gov or its own website. If your new state appears on this list, your state has its own website where you’ll apply.
• If your state uses HealthCare.gov, follow these instructions to start a new application.

Note: If you move within the same state but new coverage options and savings aren’t available to you, update your HealthCare.gov profile anyway with your new address. This way, the correct one is on file.

Learn more about changing health insurance after moving.

Summer is here! Here’s how you can be more proactive with your health this season:

3 ways to maintain your health this summer

• Take advantage of the preventive services offered by your Marketplace plan. Preventive services include screenings for things like cancer and depression, shots, and check-ups. Note: These services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
• Talk to your doctor about increasing your activity. Whether it’s going on a jog, taking your dog for a walk, or working in your garden, there are many ways to incorporate activity into your life. See other ways to increase your physical activity.
• Make time for relaxation and sleep. A good night’s rest has many physical and emotional health benefits, and sleep deprivation can impact your mood and performance. Find out how much sleep you need.

Get more tips on improving your health.

Has your family, job, or income changed this year? If you're currently enrolled in a 2019 Marketplace plan and experience household changes, update your application as soon as possible. These changes could impact your health coverage or the savings you’re getting.

What types of changes to report

• Changes that affect your family size, like getting married or divorced, or having a baby
• Changes that affect your household income, like changing jobs
• Changes to the coverage that’s available to you, like becoming eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, or getting insurance through a job

Read the full list of life changes.

How to report life changes

• Report changes to the Marketplace by updating your 2019 application.
• Update your application online, by phone, or in person (just not by mail).
• When you report a life change, you’ll get a new Marketplace eligibility notice. It’ll explain if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to change plans, get new savings, or enroll in a different kind of coverage.

Learn more about reporting changes to the Marketplace.

Congratulations, graduates! As you set out on your next life adventure, you may have several options for health coverage.

3 ways young adults can get health insurance

• With a Special Enrollment Period: If your student health plan is ending, you’re moving to a new state, or you experience other life changes, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Marketplace insurance for the rest of 2019. Answer a few fast questions to find out.

• Under a parent’s plan: If your parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you can usually be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26. Learn more about getting on a parent’s plan.

• Through Medicaid, if you qualify: If you’re working part time, starting a business, or otherwise are not making much money, you may qualify for Medicaid. If eligible, coverage can start right away, any time of year.

Get more information on health insurance options for young adults.

If you're enrolled in a Marketplace plan and have changes to your income or household, update your application with these changes as soon as possible. Changes like higher or lower income, adding or losing household members, or offers of other health coverage may affect the coverage or savings you’re eligible for.

What changes to report

• Changes to your expected income for the year
• Changes in health coverage, like someone in your household getting an offer of job-based insurance
• Changes to your household or family, like a birth, adoption, or moving to a new address
• Corrections to name, date of birth, or Social Security number
• Changes in disability or tax-filing status

Check out the full list.

How to report changes

• Update your application online, by phone, or in person — but not by mail. Here’s how.
• Note: If you move to a different state, you’ll need to start a new Marketplace application. Learn more.

Get more information on reporting changes to the Marketplace.

Did you know you can use Marketplace health insurance benefits even when you’re not sick? Here’s how you can take advantage of your health insurance benefits all the time:

Get free preventive services

• Most health plans must cover a set of preventive services, including shots, check-ups, and screening tests, at no cost to you.
• Taking advantage of these services can prevent illnesses, disease, and other health problems, and detect illness at an early stage when treatment is likely to work best.

Get recommended health screenings

• Marketplace plans cover chronic disease management and rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices.
• Schedule any preventive appointments you need in advance. This way, you’ll have them on the calendar, and they won’t slip your mind.

It’s important to understand what services are covered by your insurance plan and what your costs may be before your doctor’s appointment. Here are some questions to ask:

Does my health plan cover my current doctor?

• Call your doctor’s office directly and ask if they accept your coverage. You can also check your health plan’s website and their provider directory.
• You may also want to ask your plan if you need prior authorization before your visit. Without it, you may be charged for things your health plan would have paid for.

Does my health plan cover the services I need?

• All private health insurance plans offered in the Marketplace offer the same set of essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, and pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care.
• Some plans may also offer additional coverage. If you have questions about whether a service is covered, contact your plan.

What will my costs be?

• Most health plans give you the best deal on services when you see a doctor who has a contract with your health plan (also called an "in-network" provider). You may be able to see doctors who don’t contract with your plan (called "out-of-network" providers), but you may pay more out of pocket.
• You can avoid any surprises before your appointment by taking the time now to learn which services in your plan aren’t subject to your health insurance deductible. Some plans charge only a copayment for primary care visits before you meet your deductible; others offer discounts on drugs, including generic drugs.

Tax day is right around the corner! Don’t miss the April 15, 2019 deadline to file 2018 taxes and report your health coverage. No matter how you got health coverage — whether through the Health Insurance Marketplace, your job, or another source — you must report your 2018 coverage status to the IRS when you file taxes.

Get step-by-step directions & tax forms for your situation

You must file a federal tax return for 2018 — even if you usually don't file or your income is below the level requiring you to.

For instructions and forms for your situation, choose your 2018 health coverage status. Your next steps will depend on how you got health coverage last year.

Had a Marketplace plan in 2018?

If you or anyone in your household had Marketplace health insurance in 2018, you’ll use Form 1095-A to “reconcile” your premium tax credit on your 2018 taxes.

Can't find your 1095-A? Get help finding it.

If you had a Marketplace plan and used advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) to lower your monthly payment, you’ll have to "reconcile" when you file your 2018 taxes.

Step 1: Check Form 1095-A for accuracy

Make sure your coverage and household information on your Form 1095-A is correct. If anything is wrong, contact the Marketplace Call Center.

Also, check your SLCSP by looking at Part III, Column B of your 1095-A, titled “Monthly second lowest-cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) premium.”

The SLCSP premium is incorrect if:

• Part III, Column B has a “0” or is blank for any month someone in your household had the Marketplace plan.
• You had changes in your household that you didn’t report on your Marketplace application — like having a baby, moving, getting married or divorced, or losing a dependent.

If either situation applies to you, use our tax tool to get your correct SLCSP premium.

Step 2: “Reconcile” your 2018 taxes

Now that you've made sure your SLCSP premium is correct and your coverage and household information is accurate, you’re ready to file.

If anyone in your household had Marketplace health insurance in 2018, you should have already received Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, in the mail.

Before you file: 3 things to know about Form 1095-A

• If you can’t find your 1095-A, check online. If your form didn’t come by mail or you can’t find it, check your online Marketplace account. When you follow these steps, be sure to choose your 2018 application, not your 2019 application.
• Before you file, make sure your 1095-A is correct. Check basic health plan and household member information, and verify the premium for your second lowest cost Silver plan (SLCSP). If you find errors, contact the Marketplace Call Center. Don’t file your taxes until you have an accurate form.
• You’ll use the information from your 1095-A to “reconcile” your premium tax credit. Once you have an accurate 1095-A and second lowest cost Silver plan premium, you’re ready to fill out Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, and “reconcile.” You’ll compare the amount you used in 2018 to lower your monthly insurance payment with the actual premium tax credit you qualify for based on your final 2018 income. Get a step-by-step guide to reconciling.

You can now enroll in or change a Health Insurance Marketplace plan only if you have a life event — meaning a change in your situation, like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Life changes that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period

• There are 4 basic types of qualifying life events: loss of health coverage, household changes, residence changes, and other qualifying events, like income changes that may affect your coverage options.
• See the full list of all qualifying life events.

How to apply with a Special Enrollment Period

• If you know your life event qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, start an application by creating an account or logging in to an existing one.
• When you apply, you may be asked to provide documents to confirm the events that make you eligible.
• If you’re not sure your life event counts, answer a few quick questions here.

Learn more about getting 2019 Marketplace health coverage with a Special Enrollment Period.

If you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change plans for 2019, you may be asked to provide documents to confirm the event that makes you eligible.

Do I need to submit documents?

• You’ll learn if you have to provide documents after you submit your application.
• Details and instructions appear on your eligibility results screen and in a notice you can download or get in the mail.
• If your eligibility results don’t say you need to, just pick a plan and enroll.

What document types can I provide?

• The documents depend on your life event. See the documents and deadlines for each kind.
• If you have your documents handy and are ready to upload them, follow these steps.

How long do I have to send documents?

• After you pick a plan, you have 30 days to send documents.
• While your coverage start date is based on when you pick a plan, you can’t use your coverage until your eligibility is confirmed and you make your first premium payment.

2018 tax filing season starts January 29, 2019. You must report information about your 2018 health coverage when you file. If you had Marketplace health insurance in 2018, check out these 3 tips:

Keep an eye out for Form 1095-A

• If anyone in your household had a Marketplace plan in 2018, we’ll mail you Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, by early February. It’ll also be available online in your HealthCare.gov account. Note: It comes from the Marketplace, not the IRS.
• You’ll use it to "reconcile" your premium tax credit.

Make sure your Form 1095-A is correct

• If anything about your coverage or household is wrong, contact the Marketplace Call Center.
• Also, make sure the information about the “second lowest cost Silver Plan” (SLCSP) is correct.
• Don’t file your taxes until you have an accurate 1095-A.

Get help, step-by-step instructions & tax forms

• Choose the situation that best applies to you to learn about health coverage and your 2018 federal taxes.
• Find out where to get free volunteer tax help from the IRS.

{% box %} IMPORTANT: Didn’t have health insurance in 2018?

If you could have afforded health insurance in 2018 but chose not to buy it, you may have to pay a fee when you file taxes this year. But starting with the 2019 plan year (for which you’ll file taxes in 2020), the fee no longer applies. {% endbox %}

Now that you’re enrolled in a health plan for 2019, you can use your new coverage for regular and emergency care, prescription drugs, and preventive care.

Getting regular & emergency care

• You usually pay the lowest costs for services when you see a doctor who has a contract with your health plan. Visit your health plan’s website and check their provider directory to see which doctors are covered.
• In an emergency, you should get care from the closest hospital. Your insurance company can't charge you more for getting emergency room services at an out-of-network hospital.

Getting prescription medications

• Your health plan will help pay the cost of certain prescriptions. Visit your insurer’s website or review your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage to see which prescriptions are covered by your new Marketplace plan.
• Different health plans allow you to get your medications from different pharmacies. Call your insurance company or visit their website to find out if your regular pharmacy is in-network.

Getting free preventive care

• Marketplace health plans cover a set of preventive services — like shots and screening tests — at no cost to you.
• These services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
• Check out the preventive services for all adults, women, and children.

Get more information on using your new coverage.

Starting in 2019, take advantage of the free preventive services — like flu shots and screening tests — available with your Marketplace plan.

What are preventive services?

• Preventive services are routine health care procedures that include screenings, check-ups, and counseling to prevent illnesses, disease, and other health problems. These services can help detect illness early when treatment is likely to work best.
• Preventive services are free when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
• Visit your health plan’s website and view their provider directory for a list of the doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that your plan contracts with.

What services are covered?

• For all adults
• For women
• For children

Get more information on preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management.

For most people, the deadline to enroll in 2019 health insurance has passed. But there are two ways you may still be able to get 2019 coverage:

Through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• If eligible, your coverage can start right away, any time of year. Medicaid and CHIP don’t have Open Enrollment Periods.
• Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP, including how to apply.

Through a Special Enrollment Period

• Outside Open Enrollment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events, like losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
• If you qualify, you usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll in or change a plan.
• Not sure your life event makes you eligible? Just answer a few fast questions to find out.

Now that you’ve enrolled in 2019 Marketplace insurance, you must pay your monthly premium for your coverage to start. You pay your premiums directly to the insurance company.

How to pay your premium

Each insurance company handles premium payments differently. Follow your plan’s instructions about how and when to pay your premium. Make sure you continue your monthly payments. If you don’t, the insurance company could end your coverage.

You may be able to pay your monthly premium online at HealthCare.gov. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Marketplace account.
2. Click your name in the top right, and select "My Applications & Coverage." Choose your application under "Your Existing Applications."
3. Click the blue button "Pay Your First Health Insurance Monthly Premium."
4. If online payment is available, choose the green button "Pay for Health Plan Now" to go to your insurance company’s website to pay.

If your health insurance company doesn't accept online payment, they should have contacted you with next steps. Reach out to them if you haven’t received details on how to pay or aren’t sure if you paid.

Learn more about completing your enrollment by paying your premium.

If you missed the Open Enrollment deadline and didn’t enroll in 2019 Marketplace health insurance, you may still be able to get coverage for 2019 two ways:

Enroll in or change 2019 plans with a Special Enrollment Period

• If you experience certain life changes, like losing health coverage, getting married, or having a baby, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you may be able to sign up for health insurance at other times during the year.
• See the full list of life events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
• Not sure whether your life event qualifies? Answer a few questions to find out.

Apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year

• Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some people with limited income, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• If you qualify, your coverage can start right away, any time of year.
• Learn how to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

Open Enrollment for 2019 Marketplace insurance ends next Saturday, December 15. This means you have just over one week to enroll in, re-enroll in, or change a 2019 Marketplace plan.

Beat the December 15 deadline

• First time applying at HealthCare.gov? Create an account.
• Have 2018 Marketplace insurance? Log in to update your application and compare plans for 2019. If you don’t, you may be automatically re-enrolled for January 1, but you'll miss out on other options. New plans may be available, and your financial assistance may not be correct.

Questions? Help is available

• See tips on picking a plan that’s right for you.
• Get application troubleshooting tips, including what to do if you forgot your username, your password, or the answers to your security questions.
• Find in-person help in your community. Health insurance agents and brokers are available to answer your questions and help you with your application.

You can renew, change, or update your Marketplace plan for 2019 until December 15, 2018. That’s about 2 weeks away! If you don't update your application and enroll in a plan by the deadline, you may be automatically enrolled in a 2019 plan. While automatic enrollment is a good fallback, you may want to choose another option.

Log in, update & compare

• Log in to your HealthCare.gov account to update your application with your expected 2019 income and household information.
• Compare your current plan with other available 2019 plans. You may find a new 2019 plan with coverage and features that better meet your needs — especially if you’re expecting income or household changes.
• Even if you want to keep your same plan, we strongly recommend that you update your information and check out all the plans available to you. If you don’t, you could miss out on savings and a plan better suited for your lifestyle.
• Learn more about changing and renewing coverage for 2019.