How to Sign Up for Healthcare.gov

Enroll in health insurance through the ACA Marketplace at Healthcare.gov — find plans, check subsidies, and get covered.

In this guide (6 steps):

1.Go to healthcare.gov
2.Create your Marketplace account
3.Complete the application
4.Review your eligibility results
5.Compare and select a plan
6.Enroll and pay your first premium

Go to healthcare.gov

~15s

Open your web browser and go to healthcare.gov. Click "Get Coverage" or "Apply Now" to begin enrollment.

Create your Marketplace account

~15s

Click "Create Account" and enter your name, email address, and a strong password. Verify your email by clicking the confirmation link.

Complete the application

~15s

Answer questions about your household — who needs coverage, your estimated annual income, and current insurance status. This determines what financial help you qualify for.

Review your eligibility results

~15s

Healthcare.gov tells you if you qualify for premium tax credits, Medicaid, or CHIP. Note your estimated monthly savings before selecting a plan.

Compare and select a plan

~15s

Browse available plans in your area. Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Use the doctor search tool to check if your current doctors accept the plan.

Enroll and pay your first premium

~15s

Click "Enroll" on your chosen plan and confirm. Your coverage does not start until you pay the first monthly premium — follow the instructions from your insurer.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Sign Up for Healthcare.gov

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Healthcare.gov is the official website for the Health Insurance Marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. If you do not get health insurance through your employer, Medicare, or Medicaid, the Marketplace is where you shop for and enroll in a plan. Many people qualify for financial help (subsidies) that significantly lower the monthly cost.

Open Enrollment typically runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. You can enroll at other times if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving.

Go to healthcare.gov and click "Get Coverage." Create an account with your name, email, and password. The application asks about your household size, income, and current insurance status. Based on your income, the system tells you if you qualify for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid, or CHIP.

After completing the application, you see a list of available plans organized into metal levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze has the lowest monthly premiums but highest costs when you use care. Silver plans often offer the best value because they qualify for extra cost-sharing reductions.

Compare plans carefully: monthly premium, deductible, copays, prescription coverage, and whether your doctors are in the network. Your coverage does not start until you pay your first premium.

If you need help choosing a plan, healthcare.gov has free in-person assistance. Click "Find Local Help" to locate a trained navigator near you.

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