How to apply for Obamacare (ACA health insurance)

Key Takeaways 

• Obamacare (ACA) has specific enrollment periods — Open Enrollment (annual, typically Nov-Dec) and Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) triggered by life events (like moving, marriage, or losing other coverage). 
• Many people qualify for financial help. Subsidies or premium tax credits can dramatically lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. 
• You can get affordable care even without insurance. Federally qualified clinics, safety-net hospitals, and prescription assistance programs offer free or reduced-cost healthcare services. 

When can you apply? 

ACA health insurance is only available during specific enrollment periods unless you qualify for an exception. Understanding these deadlines can help you avoid gaps in coverage and ensure you apply at the right time. 

Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the time of year when you can apply for ACA health insurance. This period typically runs from November 1 to January 15, though it’s important to check your local deadlines because specific dates may vary. 

If you enroll by December 15, your coverage usually starts on January 1. Missing Open Enrollment isn’t ideal, but you may still have options. You must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or wait until the next Open Enrollment. 

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) 

An Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is triggered by a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). 

QLEs could be any of these situations: 

• Losing employer-sponsored health insurance. 
• Getting married or divorced. 
• Having a baby or adopting a child. 
• Moving to a new state. 

You’ll want to stay on top of your SEP deadlines — you only have 60 days from the date of the event occurs to enroll in a new health plan. Missing this opportunity could mean waiting until the next OEP.  

Year-round enrollment for Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment 

Unlike ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) allows you to apply for coverage at any time of the year if you qualify. 

Medicaid eligibility varies by state and is based on income, while CHIP offers low-cost health coverage for children in families that don’t qualify for Medicaid but need financial assistance. If you think you qualify, check your state’s Medicaid and CHIP guidelines. 

Who qualifies for Obamacare? 

To qualify for an ACA health plan, you have to meet these requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant. 
• Have an income within ACA subsidy limits, which are based on the Federal Poverty Level. 
• Not qualify for Medicare, unless you’re under 65 with a qualifying disability. 

Many people are eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions, which can help lower health insurance costs. Before applying, it is important to check if you qualify for financial assistance. 

4 ways to apply for ACA health insurance 

The best way to apply for ACA healthcare coverage depends on your personal needs and access to assistance. Here are 5 different ways you can apply if you’re eligible.  

1. Apply online at HealthCare.gov 

Looking for the fastest and most convenient option? Apply online through HealthCare.gov or a state health insurance marketplace. 

Here’s how you can apply online: 

• Create an account on HealthCare.gov or your state’s health marketplace. 
• Enter household and income information to check eligibility and subsidy options. 
• Compare available health plans to find the best fit. 
• Select a plan and complete enrollment before the deadline. 

2. Enroll by phone 

If you’d rather get things done by phone, enrollment is available through the federal Marketplace call center. 

You can call 1-800-318-2596 to speak with a representative, get answers to any questions, and enroll in a plan. Multilingual support is available to assist non-English speakers. 

3. Get help in-person 

Some things are best handled in person—in that case, you may benefit from working with a certified Navigator, licensed insurance agent, or broker who can give you personalized help. Local, in-person assistance can be found through HealthCare.gov. Here, you can search for help by entering your ZIP code. They can help explain coverage options and assist with the enrollment process. 

4. Apply through a certified enrollment partner 

Certain private insurance companies and licensed online marketplaces, like eHealth, can help you enroll in ACA-compliant health plans. 

Applying through a certified enrollment partner offers an alternative to HealthCare.gov, often with additional customer support and plan comparison tools. 

5. Apply by mail 

If you prefer a more traditional method, paper applications can be completed and mailed to the federal Marketplace. 

Here’s how you can apply by mail: 

• Request a paper application from HealthCare.gov. 
• Fill out the required forms with personal, household, and income details. 
• Mail the completed application following the provided instructions. 
• Wait for eligibility results, which typically arrive within two weeks. 

While mailing a paper application is an option, it is often the slowest method and could delay your application approval.  

Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, start here! Licensed eHealth agents can help compare plans. 

Watch: How to Apply for Obamacare →

Get covered today! 

Applying for ACA health insurance is a time sensitive matter. To ensure coverage, acting before deadlines and choosing a plan that meets individual healthcare needs is important. 

To get covered, follow these steps: 

• Apply during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment if eligible. 
• Choose an application method that works best for you. 
• Compare health plans to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. 

If you need help, licensed insurance agents at eHealth can help compare plans and guide you through the enrollment process. Understanding the application process and deadlines ensures that you can secure health coverage under the ACA.  
Need help? Explore your options with eHealth! Find a plan now. 

3034-2025