If you’ve never applied for health insurance through Insurance Shopping, here is what you need to learn about the Marketplace health insurance (sometimes referred to as the health insurance “exchange”).

1) 2022 Open Enrollment lasts from November 1 to December 15, 2021

  • Insurance coverage will start as early as January 1, 2022.
  • After January 15—you can only sign up for the 2022 health insurance plan if you’re eligible for SEP (Special Enrollment Period)

2) Marketplace coverage is available to those people who don’t have health insurance

  • Suppose you don’t get health insurance through your job, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), or another source that offers qualifying health insurance. In that case, the Marketplace can assist you in obtaining coverage.
  • If you have employment-based coverage: You can buy a health plan through the Marketplace, but you need to pay the total price unless your employer’s plan doesn’t meet specific standards. The majority of work-based programs meet these requirements to obtain health coverage.
  • If you already have a Medicare plan—you cannot switch to Marketplace coverage, supplement your plan with a Marketplace program, or purchase a Marketplace dental coverage.

3) The cost of health insurance is determined by your income

Your savings are based on your expected household earnings for the year.

Get a quick idea of whether or not you will save. Depending on your estimated income; we will notify you if you get approved for:

i) A health insurance plan that allows you to save money based on your income

  • You may be eligible for a premium tax credit, which reduces your monthly insurance bills as well as additional savings on out-of-pocket expenses such as copayments and deductibles.
  • Private insurance agencies provide plans which come in a variety of features and prices.

ii) CHIP (The Children’s Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid

  • Many regions are expanding Medicaid to cover all low-income families. Check your state agency website to find if your state is developing and your earnings are in range to qualify.
  • Your kids may be eligible for CHIP (The Children’s Health Insurance Program), even if you do not qualify for the Medicaid program.

4) You can apply for coverage in various ways

Beginning November 1, you can apply in any way that suits you:

  • Via phone
  • Online
  • With the assistance of a member of your community
  • Through licensed enrollment partner websites
  • Using an agent/broker
  • With a paper application