If you don’t get health insurance through work or a government program, the Marketplace is where most people buy coverage. Timing and income both matter.
Key points
- You can generally enroll during the annual open enrollment period, which usually starts November 1.
- Losing other coverage, moving, marriage or having a baby can open a special enrollment period, usually for 60 days.
- Plans are grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, which differ in how costs are shared.
- Premium tax credits lower monthly premiums based on income; the larger temporary credits available from 2021 to 2025 have expired.
- Report income changes during the year to avoid owing money back at tax time.
The Health Insurance Marketplace, created by the Affordable Care Act, lets people compare and buy private health plans and see whether they qualify for help with costs.
When you can enroll
- Open enrollment: usually starts November 1 each year. On HealthCare.gov, you generally need to enroll by mid-December for coverage starting January 1. Dates vary by state and year, so check HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace.
- Special enrollment periods: life events such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby usually give you 60 days to enroll.
Important
Don’t wait until coverage ends to act. If you know you’re losing job-based coverage, look at your options straight away; our guide to COBRA and job loss compares them.
Metal tiers
| Tier | Premiums | Costs when you get care |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Lowest | Highest |
| Silver | Moderate | Moderate |
| Gold | Higher | Lower |
| Platinum | Highest | Lowest |
Since 2026, Bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans can be paired with a health savings account; see our HSA guide.
Help with costs
Premium tax credits reduce monthly premiums for eligible households, based on expected income and household size. Larger, temporary credits that were available from 2021 through 2025 have expired, so eligibility now generally follows the original rules, which limit help to households with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
Because credits are based on an estimate, report income changes during the year. If your actual income is higher than expected, you may have to repay some or all of the credit when you file taxes.
How to compare plans
Look beyond premiums: check deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, networks and drug lists. Our guide to health insurance terms explains each one.
Keep your coverage
Pay premiums on time, respond to any requests for documents, and update your application when your income or household changes.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply?
Through HealthCare.gov, or your state’s own marketplace if your state runs one. HealthCare.gov will direct you to the right place.
What’s the difference between Silver and other tiers?
Tiers reflect how costs are split. Bronze has lower premiums and higher costs when you get care; Platinum is the opposite. Silver plans can come with extra cost-sharing reductions for eligible lower incomes.
Can I get help choosing a plan?
Yes. Free local help is available from trained assisters and navigators, listed on HealthCare.gov.
What if my income is low?
You may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), depending on your state. The Marketplace application checks this for you.
This guide is general information, not insurance, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and deadlines change each year, so check HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov or your insurer for your situation.