Gather your documents to get ready to enroll.
You’ve asked yourself the 3 questions before signing up for a Marketplace plan and figured out that it’s the best option for you.
The next step is to gather the documents and information you will need to complete a Marketplace application and select your health care plan. You will need the following:
- Names and social security numbers for everyone in your tax household applying for health insurance. Your tax household includes anyone you will claim on your tax return.
- Earned income information: recent pay stubs for everyone who is working or self-employment records (Schedule C from the previous year’s tax return).
- Unearned income information: unemployment payments, pension, retirement, real estate income, social security (RSDI or SSI) income or capital gains.
- Most recent tax return including all Schedules.
- List of doctors.
- List of prescriptions.
- Marketplace Account information: user ID and password.
- If you don’t have an account and need to create one, you will need an active email account that you can access immediately. You must be able to log in to the email to access a verification email.
Then, estimate what you think you’ll make next year
Estimate your income for the coming year. Try to get this as accurate as you can so that they amount you pay for coverage each month is correct.
For some people this is easy, but for anyone whose income varies during the year, it can be tricky.
If you need help with this step, you can contact us for help or check out How to Report Income: Annual vs. Monthly Income.
Enroll!
Now, go to the Marketplace website, HealthCare.gov, and complete an application. You’ll find out as soon as you submit your information the amount of advanced premium tax credits you’re eligible for. This part can be confusing for folks; the application doesn’t sign you up for a plan. It’s determines the amount of advanced premium tax credits you’re eligible for so you know what you’ll pay when you go shopping for a plan.
Plans are available in three metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Select the plan that covers the care you need, the doctors you want to see, and is accepted at the hospital near you.
Pay the first month premium as soon as you enroll (or up to 30 days later, but don’t go longer than that or you’ll lose your coverage). Once your first bill is paid, this will prompt your insurance company to send you your new insurance cards!
Congratulations, you’re protected from the burden of devastating medical debt! Now, go establish care with a primary care physician if you haven’t already (do this before you get sick), and make the most of your coverage.