You have less than 2 weeks to enroll in, change or update your Marketplace health insurance for 2022 coverage that starts January 1. The deadline is December 15, 2021.

Update & compare, even if you want to keep the same plan

• Even if you have 2021 coverage and want to keep the same plan for 2022, it’s important to update your application with any expected income and household changes.
• There may be new plans that better fit your needs.
• Plus, updating your information will make sure you get the right amount of savings.

Act now & beat the December 15 deadline for coverage that starts January 1, 2022

• New to HealthCare.gov? Create an account to fill out an application for the first time.
• Have 2021 Marketplace coverage? Log in to update your application, compare plans, and change or renew for 2022.

Important: Act by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1. This means you have less than one month to enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

If you miss the December 15 deadline, the last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage is January 15 when Open Enrollment ends. For coverage to start:

• January 1, 2022: Enroll by December 15, 2021
• February 1, 2022: Enroll by January 15, 2022

Apply & enroll today

• New to HealthCare.gov? Create an account to fill out an application for the first time.
• Have 2021 Marketplace coverage? Log in to update your application, compare plans, and enroll or renew for 2022.

Have questions or need help? Free, fast assistance is available.

Open Enrollment for 2022 coverage ends January 15, 2022. Get an idea of what your costs may be by answering a few quick questions – you don’t even have to log in. More people than ever qualify for savings, even those who weren’t eligible before!

Will you save on a 2022 Marketplace plan?

• Find out if your estimated 2022 income is in the range to qualify for a premium tax credit. We just need:
  • The number of people in your household, even if they don’t need health coverage
  • Your state
  • Your 2022 household income estimate (use this calculator for help)
• Before you apply, you can also preview 2022 plans, with price estimates based on your expected income.
• Note: These are just estimates. You’ll learn your exact savings when you fill out an application.

Get exact savings & apply now

• New to HealthCare.gov? Create an account to fill out an application for the first time.
• Have 2021 Marketplace coverage? Log in to update your application, compare plans, and enroll or renew for 2022.

Open Enrollment for 2022 is here and ends January 15. Plans have different premiums and out-of-pocket costs and may differ in covered services and benefits. Knowing a few things before you compare can simplify the process of choosing a plan.

Understand your options when comparing Marketplace plans

• Metal categories, like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, show how you and your plan share costs. They have nothing to do with quality of care. No matter which metal category you choose, you can save a lot of money on your monthly premium based on your income. But if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, you must choose Silver to get the extra savings.
• There are also different plan types, like HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO. Some types allow you to use almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you go out‑of‑network.
• Consider the total health care costs, not just the bill (the "premium") you pay to your insurance company every month. Other amounts, sometimes called "out-of-pocket" costs, have a big impact on your total spending. Before you decide, think about how much care you usually use, or are likely to use in 2022.

No matter the level, type, or cost, all Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and free preventive care services.

Attention: Enroll in or renew 2022 health insurance today! You have through January 15 to apply for new 2022 health insurance, or renew, change, or update your 2021 health plan for 2022. Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

Apply online now: Start a new application or update an existing one

• New to HealthCare.gov? Create an account to get started. Follow these 4 steps to apply and enroll online.
• Are you a returning HealthCare.gov customer? Log in to start or update an application. If you don't update your application with any changes and compare plans, you may be automatically enrolled for 2022 but miss out on new, better options.
• While applying online is the fastest and easiest way, you have other options to apply for and enroll in 2022 Marketplace health coverage.

Need enrollment help?

• You can get help filling out your application 3 ways: by phone, with an in-person assister, or with an agent/broker. (No matter who helps you, you can get premium tax credits and other savings only if you enroll in a Marketplace plan.)
• Get help applying for health insurance.

The wait is almost over: Open Enrollment for 2022 health insurance starts November 1. As you get ready to apply, here are a few important things to know:

Enroll in or renew 2022 coverage starting November 1

• Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts on January 1, 2022.
• Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2022. Mark this date on your calendar. If you enroll between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022, your coverage will start February 1, 2022. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have limited opportunities to enroll.
• If you have 2021 coverage and want to keep your plan for 2022, we encourage you to report any anticipated changes to the Marketplace, like higher or lower income or adding or losing household members. These changes may affect your coverage options and the savings you’re eligible for. If you don’t act, you may be automatically enrolled for 2022 but miss out on new, better options.
• With one application, you’ll find out if you qualify for savings on Marketplace insurance (most people do!) or free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, we’ll send your information to your state agency. They’ll contact you about enrollment.

Before you apply for or renew 2022 coverage, you can preview 2022 plans with price estimates. You don’t even have to log in.

You'll see exact prices when you apply during Open Enrollment from November 1 - January 15. The actual Marketplace application asks for more details.

See 2022 plans & prices before you apply

• Provide some quick information about your expected 2022 household members and income for health insurance plans and estimated prices.
• Marketplace savings for 2022 coverage are based on your expected household income for next year (so 2022, not 2021).
• See how to make your best income estimate. You can also check out this calculator.

Open Enrollment for 2022 coverage begins in a little over 2 weeks! See what you can do today to make applying easier.

Get ready for 2022 Open Enrollment

• Review how to apply for coverage.
• Answer a few questions about your household to see if you might qualify for savings – most people do! (Check back soon to preview 2022 plans, with price estimates based on your income.)
• Gather everything you’ll need before you apply (PDF, 160 KB). Your Marketplace application will ask for some basic information about you and your household.

See more ways to get ready.

Open Enrollment for 2022 Marketplace coverage runs November 1 – January 15. Here’s why you should consider enrolling in coverage.

3 reasons to enroll in 2022 Marketplace coverage

• Health coverage helps protect you from both health and financial risks. No one plans to get sick or hurt, but most people need medical care at some point. Health insurance can help cover these costs.
• Plans are more affordable than ever. Provide some quick household information to see if your income may be in the range to save. (Also, check back soon to preview 2022 plans, with price estimates based on your income.)
• With health insurance, you have access to free preventive care, like vaccines, screenings, and some check-ups, even before you meet your deductible (the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay).

For more information, get a quick overview of the Marketplace.

Connect with the Marketplace today, so you don’t miss out on deadline reminders and useful tips. Open Enrollment for 2022 Marketplace coverage starts November 1, 2021 — it will be here before you know it!

3 ways to stay informed

• Subscribe to email or text updates. Visit HealthCare.gov and enter your email address under "Get Important News & Updates." Click "Sign Up.”
• Connect with us on social media. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
• Find someone near you for enrollment help. Enter your ZIP code for a list of assisters, agents, or brokers in your area. Some offer help in languages other than English and other specialized services.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot by the end of October. Flu viruses change from year to year, so even if you got the shot before, you should get a vaccine each year to protect against the most common types of viruses.

Getting the flu shot is quick, easy, & free

• By getting the shot, you’re helping reduce the spread of flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and even death. And according to the CDC, the flu vaccine doesn’t increase the risk of getting COVID-19.
• Babies, children, and older people are most vulnerable, but no one is immune to the flu. Getting the shot is a simple and free way to help protect yourself and your loved ones.
• Immunizations are a covered preventive care benefit. With Marketplace health insurance, your flu shot is free from a provider in your plan's network.

Learn more about the seasonal flu shot and its benefits from the CDC.

A change to your living place may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to change plans or enroll for the rest of 2021. Your next steps depend on if you moved to a different state or within the same one.

Did you move to a new state?

• When you move to a new state, you can’t keep your current coverage. Report the move to the Marketplace, so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage. By quickly reporting the move, you’ll also avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t apply where you now live.
• Follow these steps to update your application if you already have 2021 Marketplace coverage.
• If you’re new to the Marketplace and applying for the first time, create a HealthCare.gov account. (If your state runs its own Marketplace, use their website.)

Did you move within the same state?

• Your coverage options and savings probably won’t change based only on your new address.
• But you should still report the change by following these instructions.

Learn more about other income and household changes to report to the Marketplace.

Open Enrollment for 2022 health coverage is almost here! Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

When can I enroll in 2022 Marketplace coverage?

• Open Enrollment starts Monday, November 1.
• Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

Looking for coverage for the rest of 2021? Answer these questions to see if you can apply through a Special Enrollment Period. You can also enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time, if you’re eligible. Coverage can begin immediately.

Now that the August 15 enrollment deadline due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency has passed, you can get or change 2021 Marketplace coverage only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

What life events qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period?

• A change in your situation, like getting married, moving, having a baby, or losing health coverage, can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. See the full list of life events.
• Not sure your life event counts? Answer a few quick questions to find out.
• Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you usually have 60 days before or 60 days after the event to enroll in or change a plan.
• If your life event makes you eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can enroll in these programs immediately.

How to apply with a Special Enrollment Period

• If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, create an account or log into an existing one to enroll in or change a plan for 2021.
• You may be asked to submit documents to confirm the life event that makes you eligible.

If you're not eligible to apply with a Special Enrollment Period for the rest of 2021, you can apply for a 2022 health plan November 1 through December 15, 2021.

Need coverage for the rest of 2021? You have through August 15, 2021 to enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans due to a Special Enrollment Period for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past. Learn more about new, lower costs.

Beat the deadline & apply today

• If you already have a HealthCare.gov account, log in to apply for or change a plan.
• If you’re new to HealthCare.gov and are applying for the first time, create an account to get started.
• Before you apply, you can preview plans and prices based on your income.

{% box %} IMPORTANT: What if I miss the August 15 deadline?

• You can enroll or change 2021 coverage after August 15 only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
• If you’re eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can enroll in these programs any time. {% endbox %}

Get help applying

• You can get help filling out your application 3 ways: by phone, with an in-person assister, or with an agent/broker. Get help applying for Marketplace insurance.
• You also have several ways to apply and enroll.

You can change Marketplace health coverage if you’re already enrolled or can apply for the first time during the 2021 Special Enrollment Period through August 15, 2021.

Applying for the first time?

• Create an account to start an application.
• When you apply for Marketplace coverage, you’ll find out if you qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium.
• More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage. Premiums after these savings will go down.

Already have coverage but want to change plans?

• Most people currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan may qualify for more tax credits.
• Log in to update your application and enrollment. Your new eligibility results will be available right away, and they’ll show you the extra tax credit amount. Then, update your plan selection with increased tax credits.
• Note: If you select a new plan, any out-of-pocket costs you already paid for your current 2021 Marketplace plan probably won’t count towards your new deductible, even if you stay with the same insurance company. Check with your insurance company before switching.

Learn more about the new Special Enrollment Period for the COVID-19 public health emergency and the new savings available.

If you're enrolled in a Marketplace plan and your income or household changes, update your application as soon as possible. These changes may affect the coverage or savings you’re eligible for. If you don’t report them, you could qualify for more savings than you’re getting now or wind up having to pay money back when you file 2021 taxes next year.

How to report income & household changes

• You report changes to the Marketplace by updating your application. See which changes to report.
• You can update your application online, by phone, or in person but not by mail.
• See how to update your application online.

What to do if you move

• If you’ve moved to a new address within the same state, update your application online.
• If you moved to a different state, start a new application in your new state:
  • When you move to a new state, you can’t keep your plan from your old state.
  • Report out-of-state moves as soon as possible, so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage and avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t apply in your new state.
• See what to do if you move out of state.

Get more information on reporting changes to the Marketplace.

Here’s how you can use your Marketplace health insurance to help you stay healthy this summer.

3 quick tips: Maintaining your health this summer

• Take advantage of free preventive services, like screenings for things like cancer and depression, shots, and check-ups. These services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
• Increase activity with your doctor’s approval. Enjoy the beautiful weather by gardening or walking your dog. It doesn’t have to feel like exercise!
• Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can impact your mood and performance. Learn how much sleep you need.

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See more tips on improving your health.

Now that you’re enrolled in 2021 Marketplace insurance, don’t forget to pay your monthly premium directly to your health insurance company, not to the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Your coverage won't start until you do.

How to pay your monthly premium online at HealthCare.gov

1. Log in to your Marketplace account.
2. Select 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. (If this isn’t an option, your insurance company should have contacted you with next steps. Reach out to them for information on how to pay or if you aren’t sure that you did. You can find their phone number on your plan brochure or their website.)

{% box important %} Make sure you continue to pay your monthly premiums to your health insurance company on time.

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{% box %} Still need coverage for the rest of 2021?

You can enroll in Marketplace insurance through August 15, 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.

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Congratulations, recent graduates! Here are 3 health insurance options to help protect you from unexpected medical costs if you get hurt or sick.

3 health insurance options for young adults

• Enroll in Marketplace health coverage through August 15, 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.

  • Note: 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 a Marketplace health plan any time for the rest of 2021.
  • Create an account to get started.

• If you’re under 26, you may be able to enroll in a parent’s health insurance plan if their plan covers dependents.

• If you’re just starting out, you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid. If you qualify, you can enroll immediately. When your income increases, you can adjust or change your coverage to make sure you're getting the right amount of savings.

  • When you apply for Marketplace coverage, we’ll tell you if you qualify for an insurance plan with savings based on your income, or for Medicaid.
  • If you have children, you’ll find out if they qualify for coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Get information on applying at HealthCare.gov.