Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Healthcare
Required documents:
- Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for all household members
- Dates of birth for all household members
- Income information (e.g., pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns)
- Policy/member numbers for any current health coverage
- Information about any job-based health coverage available to you or your household
Create an Account
- Online: Visit HealthCare.gov and create an account. Enter your basic information such as name, address, and email address.
- Phone: Call the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 and follow the prompts to create an account over the phone.
- In-Person: Visit a local assistance center or a certified enrollment partner to get help creating an account. You can find local help at localhelp.healthcare.gov.
Complete the Application
- Online: Log in to your HealthCare.gov account and fill out the application. The online application is the fastest way to apply, and you'll get your eligibility results right away.
- Paper Application: If you prefer, you can download and print a paper application from HealthCare.gov. Fill it out with blue or black ink and mail it to the address provided.
- Phone: You can also apply over the phone by calling the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596.
Review Eligibility Results
- After submitting your application, you'll receive an eligibility notice. This notice will tell you if you qualify for:
- Marketplace health insurance plans with savings (e.g., premium tax credits)
- Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Other savings on your monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs
Compare Plans and Enroll
- Online: Log in to your HealthCare.gov account to compare health plans and prices available in your area. Choose the plan that best meets your needs and enroll online.
- Phone: You can also enroll over the phone by calling the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596.
- In-Person: Visit a local assistance center or a certified enrollment partner to get help comparing plans and enrolling. Find local help at localhelp.healthcare.gov.
Make Your First Payment
- Once you've enrolled in a plan, make your first premium payment to activate your coverage. Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company or the Marketplace.
Receive Your Insurance Cards
- After your first payment is processed, you'll receive your insurance cards and other important information about your coverage.
Maintain Your Coverage
- Keep track of important dates such as renewal deadlines and payment due dates. Make sure to update your information if there are any changes to your household or income.
Additional Steps for Migrants
Verify Immigration Status
- Ensure you have the necessary immigration documents to verify your status. This may include:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Reentry Permit (I-327)
- Refugee Travel Document I-571)
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
- Arrival/Departure Record (I-94/I-94A)
Check Eligibility
- Lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace coverage and may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans. Undocumented immigrants cannot get Marketplace health coverage but may apply on behalf of documented individuals.
Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
- If you're a "qualified non-citizen," you may be eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), if you meet state income and residency rules. Some states require a five-year waiting period for certain lawfully present immigrants.
Applying for Medicaid
Check Eligibility
- Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, such as disability status, age, and pregnancy.
Apply for Medicaid
- Online: Visit your state's Medicaid website and apply online.
- Phone: Call your state's Medicaid office to apply over the phone.
- In-Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) to apply in person.
Provide Necessary Documentation
- You'll need to provide documentation to verify your income, residency, and other eligibility criteria. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of residency.
Review Eligibility Results
- After submitting your application, you'll receive a notice informing you of your eligibility status. If approved, you'll receive information about your coverage and how to enroll.
Applying for Medicare
Check Eligibility
- Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, or who have certain disabilities. You may also qualify for Medicare if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Apply for Medicare
- Online: Visit the Social Security Administration's website and apply for Medicare online.
- Phone: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
- In-Person: Visit your local Social Security office to apply in person.
Provide Necessary Documentation
- You'll need to provide documentation to verify your age, citizenship, and any disability status. This may include your birth certificate, Social Security card, and medical records.
Review Eligibility Results
- After submitting your application, you'll receive a notice informing you of your eligibility.
