Last updated 5 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

    What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

    The Health Insurance Marketplace, accessible through HealthCare.gov, is a service designed by the federal government under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Its purpose is to help individuals, families, and small businesses compare and enroll in health insurance plans. The Marketplace serves residents in states using the federal platform, while many states operate their own Marketplace websites.

    The goal is to make finding coverage that meets your needs and budget easier, often with financial assistance available.

    Once enrolled in a Marketplace plan, your circumstances might change. You might need different coverage, or you might become eligible for insurance elsewhere. This guide explains how to change or cancel your Marketplace health plan after your initial enrollment.

    This information is for anyone currently enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace who needs to adjust or end their coverage. To be eligible for Marketplace coverage initially, you must:

    • Live in the United States
    • Be a U.S. citizen or national (or be a lawfully present non-citizen)
    • Not be incarcerated

    When Can You Change or Cancel Your Plan?

    Generally, once you enroll in a Marketplace health plan, you keep that plan for the entire calendar year. However, there are specific times and circumstances when you can make adjustments or end your coverage.

    The Annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

    The Open Enrollment Period is the main time each year for eligible individuals to enroll in, renew, or change their Marketplace health plans for the upcoming year. If you want to switch plans because you’re not satisfied with your current one, or if your needs have changed and you don’t have a qualifying life event, OEP is your primary opportunity.

    Typical Dates

    For coverage starting in the next calendar year, OEP typically runs from November 1 to January 15. There are key deadlines within this period:

    • To have coverage start on January 1, you usually need to enroll or change plans by December 15.
    • If you enroll or change plans between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will typically start on February 1.

    Automatic Re-enrollment

    If you currently have a Marketplace plan and don’t actively choose a new plan or terminate your coverage during OEP, you might be automatically re-enrolled into your existing plan or a similar one for the next year. While this prevents a gap in coverage, it’s highly recommended that you actively review your options each OEP.

    Plans and their costs can change from year to year, and your own eligibility for financial assistance might also change based on updated income or household information. Even if you are automatically re-enrolled, you can still log in and select a different plan before the OEP deadline (usually January 15). Your new selection would then replace the auto-enrolled plan, with coverage starting either January 1 or February 1, depending on when you make the change.

    Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

    Outside of the annual OEP, you generally can’t enroll in or change Marketplace plans unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. SEPs are triggered by specific life events, known as Qualifying Life Events (QLEs), or by meeting certain household income levels.

    Common Qualifying Life Events Triggering an SEP:

    Loss of Other Qualifying Health Coverage

    This is a common trigger. You may qualify if you or a household member loses coverage like:

    • Job-based insurance (either your own or through a family member)
    • COBRA continuation coverage
    • An individual health plan (one you bought yourself, not through the Marketplace)
    • Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
    • Medicare Part A (if you were paying a premium for it)
    • Coverage through a parent’s plan (e.g., turning 26)
    • Coverage due to divorce, legal separation, or death of the policyholder

    Important Note: Simply choosing to drop other coverage voluntarily usually does not qualify you for an SEP, unless you also experience another qualifying event like a change in income that makes you newly eligible for Marketplace savings.

    Changes in Household Size

    Certain changes to your family structure can trigger an SEP:

    • Getting married
    • Having a baby, adopting a child, or having a child placed with you for foster care
    • Getting divorced or legally separated if it results in a loss of health coverage (Divorce without losing coverage doesn’t qualify)
    • Death of someone on your Marketplace plan, if that death makes you or your family members ineligible for your current plan
    Changes in Residence

    Moving can qualify you for an SEP under specific circumstances:

    • Moving to a new home in a different ZIP code or county
    • Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or U.S. territory
    • A student moving to or from the place they attend school
    • A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work
    • Moving into or out of a shelter or other transitional housing
    Other Qualifying Events

    Several other situations can grant you an SEP:

    • Changes in your income that affect your eligibility for financial assistance (premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions)
    • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
    • Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining eligible immigration status
    • Being released from incarceration (jail or prison)
    • Gaining or becoming a dependent due to a child support or other court order
    • Being a survivor of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and needing a separate plan
    • Experiencing an error in enrollment or misinformation from the Marketplace or enrollment helpers
    • Being affected by a natural disaster (like a hurricane or wildfire) or other emergency declared by FEMA or state/federal authorities that prevented timely enrollment
    • Becoming newly eligible for financial assistance because your income increased above 100% of the federal poverty level in a state that hasn’t expanded Medicaid, or because you moved

    SEP Time Window

    If you qualify for an SEP based on a life event, you typically have 60 days from the date of the event to report the change and select a new plan or enroll. For events involving a future loss of coverage, you might be able to report and enroll up to 60 days before the coverage loss occurs. Because this window is strict, it’s critical to act promptly after a qualifying event happens.

    Verification May Be Required

    For many SEPs, you will likely need to provide documents to the Marketplace to prove that the qualifying life event occurred. For example, you might need to submit a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or letter confirming loss of previous coverage. Failing to provide requested documents can delay or prevent your enrollment or plan change.

    The extensive list of QLEs reflects an attempt to accommodate various life disruptions that impact health coverage needs. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for an SEP, you can use the screening tool on HealthCare.gov or contact the Marketplace Call Center.

    Canceling Your Plan

    Unlike changing plans, which is generally restricted to OEP or SEPs, you can typically cancel (terminate) your Marketplace coverage at any time during the year, for any reason. This flexibility acknowledges that people may gain other coverage (like through a new job, Medicare, or Medicaid) at various points throughout the year and shouldn’t be forced to pay for duplicate insurance.

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    The ability to cancel anytime stands in contrast to the restrictions on changing plans. This difference exists primarily to maintain stability in the insurance market. Limiting plan changes outside OEP helps prevent “adverse selection”—a situation where people might wait until they get sick to switch to richer, more expensive plans, which could drive up costs for everyone. Allowing cancellation, however, provides necessary flexibility for individuals whose circumstances change.

    Key Differences: Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment Periods

    FeatureOpen Enrollment Period (OEP)Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
    WhenAnnually (typically Nov 1 – Jan 15)Triggered by Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or income threshold
    Who Can UseMost eligible individualsOnly those who experience a QLE or meet income criteria
    Time WindowFixed annual datesTypically 60 days from QLE
    Plan ChoiceCan choose any available planOften restricted (e.g., same metal level), depends on QLE
    PurposeAnnual enrollment/renewal/changesMid-year changes due to specific life circumstances
    Supporting DocumentsGenerally not needed (unless verifying identity)Often required to prove QLE occurred

    How to Change Your Marketplace Health Plan

    If you need to change your Marketplace plan, the process generally involves reporting your life change (if applicable), reviewing your updated eligibility, and then selecting a new plan during your OEP or SEP window.

    Prerequisite: You must be within the annual Open Enrollment Period or have experienced a Qualifying Life Event that grants you a Special Enrollment Period.

    Report Your Life Change (If Applying for an SEP)

    If you’re outside OEP and believe you qualify for an SEP due to a life event, the first step is to report that change to the Marketplace. Even if a change doesn’t qualify you for an SEP to change plans, it’s still crucial to report significant changes promptly.

    Why Reporting Changes is Crucial

    Your eligibility for financial help—namely Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) that lower your monthly premiums and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) that lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays—is based on your estimated annual household income and family size as reported in your application. When these factors change, the amount of financial assistance you’re eligible for can also change.

    • Reporting Income Increases: If your income goes up and you don’t report it, you might receive more financial assistance than you’re entitled to. You could then have to repay some or all of the excess assistance when you file your federal income taxes.
    • Reporting Income Decreases: If your income goes down, you might become eligible for more financial assistance, or even qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Reporting the change allows you to benefit from these increased savings sooner.
    • Other Changes: Reporting changes in household size (like marriage or birth) or residence is also essential for ensuring your eligibility is correct and you have access to appropriate plan options.

    This means keeping your application updated is an ongoing responsibility throughout the year, not just something to think about during enrollment periods.

    What Changes to Report

    You should report any significant changes, including:

    • Changes to your expected household income for the year
    • Changes in household size (getting married or divorced, having a baby, adopting, a death in the family, gaining or losing a dependent)
    • Changes in residence (moving to a new address, especially if it’s in a new ZIP code, county, or state)
    • Gaining or losing eligibility for other health coverage (job-based, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP)
    • Changes in tax filing status
    • Changes in immigration status or citizenship
    • Release from incarceration
    • Changes in disability status
    • Changes to your name or Social Security Number (SSN)

    How to Report Changes

    You have several options for updating your application:

    • Online: The most common method is to log into your account on HealthCare.gov or your state’s Marketplace website. Select your current application, then look for an option like “Report a Life Change.” Follow the prompts to update the relevant sections of your application and resubmit it.
    • Phone: You can call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except certain holidays) and can help you update your application over the phone.
    • In-Person: You can get free help from trained and certified individuals in your community, often called Assisters or Navigators. You can find local help through the HealthCare.gov website.

    Review Your Eligibility Notice

    After you report your changes and resubmit your application, the Marketplace will process the information and issue a new eligibility determination notice. It’s very important to read this notice carefully. It will tell you:

    • Whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to change plans
    • If your eligibility for Premium Tax Credits or Cost-Sharing Reductions has changed
    • If you are now eligible for Medicaid or CHIP
    • Whether you need to submit any documents to verify the changes you reported

    Explore and Choose a New Plan (If Eligible)

    If your eligibility notice confirms you have an SEP (or if you are changing plans during OEP), you can then proceed to browse the health plans available to you and select a new one.

    Potential Restrictions During SEPs

    A critical point to understand is that if you qualify for an SEP due to most common life events (like losing other coverage, moving, or having a baby) and you already have Marketplace coverage, your ability to change plans might be limited. In many cases, you may only be allowed to choose a new plan within the same metal level category (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) as your current plan.

    Example: If you are currently enrolled in a Silver plan and you move to a new county (triggering an SEP), you will likely only be able to switch to another Silver plan offered in your new location during that SEP. If you wanted to switch to a Gold plan, you would probably have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period.

    This restriction helps maintain market stability by preventing people from switching to much richer plans mid-year solely based on developing health needs. It ensures SEPs primarily serve their purpose: allowing people to maintain a similar level of coverage when forced to change plans due to a life event, rather than providing the full shopping flexibility of OEP.

    Exceptions: There are situations where you can change metal levels during an SEP. A key exception is if you become newly eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). Since CSRs are only available on Silver plans, if you become eligible for them (due to an income change, for instance) and aren’t already in a Silver plan, your SEP will allow you to switch to a Silver plan to take advantage of those extra savings. Also, if you gain access to an employer-sponsored Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA), this generally doesn’t restrict your ability to choose a new plan during an SEP.

    Comparing Plans

    When choosing a new plan, carefully compare the options based on:

    • Monthly Premium: The amount you pay each month
    • Deductible: How much you pay for covered services before the plan starts paying
    • Copayments and Coinsurance: Your share of costs for services after meeting the deductible
    • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’d have to pay for covered services in a year
    • Provider Network: Which doctors, hospitals, and specialists are included in the plan
    • Prescription Drug Coverage: Which medications are covered and at what cost
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    HealthCare.gov and state Marketplace websites provide tools to help you compare plans side-by-side.

    Enroll and Pay Your First Premium

    Once you’ve chosen a plan, you need to formally select it and confirm your enrollment through the Marketplace website or with the help of the Call Center or an assister.

    Crucially, your new coverage will not begin until you pay your first month’s premium directly to the insurance company. The Marketplace itself does not handle premium payments. Be sure to follow the instructions from your chosen insurance company regarding payment deadlines and methods.

    Special Cases When Changing Plans

    Moving to a New State

    This requires specific action. You cannot keep your health plan from your old state when you move to a new one. You must report the move to the Marketplace immediately. Moving to a new state qualifies you for an SEP.

    You will need to start a completely new Marketplace application for your new state. Depending on the state, you’ll do this either through HealthCare.gov or through your new state’s own Marketplace website. Find your state’s Marketplace here: https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/.

    Complete the new application, compare plans available in your new state, enroll, and pay the first premium to avoid a gap in coverage. It’s also important to formally cancel your old plan in your previous state.

    Adding a Dependent (e.g., Newborn)

    When you have a baby or adopt a child, this is a QLE. You should report the change by updating your Marketplace application as soon as possible (within 60 days).

    Coverage for the new dependent can often start retroactively from the date of birth or adoption if reported promptly. Typically, you will add the new dependent to your existing Marketplace plan.

    However, some plans may have rules that don’t allow adding new members mid-year. If this happens, the Marketplace may grant your entire family an SEP to enroll together in a different plan. Usually, this new plan must be in the same metal level category as your previous plan. If no other plans are available in that category, you might be allowed to choose a plan one metal level higher or lower.

    How to Cancel (Terminate) Your Marketplace Health Plan

    There are various reasons why you might need to end your Marketplace health plan coverage. Perhaps you got a new job with health benefits, became eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, or simply decided you no longer need the plan.

    Termination refers to ending coverage after it has already started and you’ve been enrolled for some period. As mentioned earlier, you can generally request to terminate your Marketplace plan at any time during the year.

    Cancellation Process: Depends on Who is Canceling

    The specific steps for canceling depend on whether you’re ending coverage for everyone on the application or just for certain individuals.

    Ending Coverage for EVERYONE on the Plan:

    Recommended Method: This can usually be done online through your HealthCare.gov account or your state’s Marketplace portal.

    Steps:

    1. Log in to your Marketplace account.
    2. Navigate to your current plan information (often under a section like “My Plans & Programs”).
    3. Look for an option clearly labeled to end coverage, such as “End (Terminate) All Coverage” or similar wording.
    4. You will typically be asked to select your desired coverage end date. This is a critical step. To avoid a gap in coverage or paying for overlapping insurance, aim to set the end date for the day before your new coverage (if any) begins. For example, if your new job’s insurance starts May 1, you should request your Marketplace plan end on April 30.
    5. Be aware that processing takes time. It’s recommended to submit your termination request at least 14 days before you want your coverage to end.
    6. You will likely need to read and check a box acknowledging that you understand you are ending coverage for everyone on the plan and that you might not be able to re-enroll in Marketplace coverage until the next OEP, unless you qualify for an SEP.
    7. Confirm the termination request. You should see confirmation on your account screen, often indicating the plan status is “Terminated”.

    Ending Coverage for ONLY SOME People on the Plan:

    Recommended Method: This scenario is more complex, and the strong recommendation from official sources is to handle it by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

    Why Calling is Advised:

    • Immediate Termination Risk: Attempting to remove individuals online (e.g., by changing their status in the application) might, in many cases, cause their coverage to end immediately, which might not be what you intend.
    • Desired End Date: Calling allows you to clearly communicate the specific date you want coverage to end for the individual(s) being removed.
    • Impact on Remaining Household: Removing someone changes the household composition, which can affect the eligibility and amount of financial assistance for the members who remain on the plan. A Call Center representative can help ensure these calculations are updated correctly.
    • Potential SEP for Others: The change in household size might trigger an SEP for the remaining members, allowing them to potentially choose a different plan if needed. The Call Center can provide guidance on this.

    Attempting complex partial cancellations online can lead to unintended coverage gaps or issues with subsidies for the rest of the household. The Call Center is better equipped to handle these nuances accurately.

    How to Cancel Your Marketplace Plan

    ScenarioRecommended MethodKey Steps & Considerations
    Ending coverage for EVERYONE on the planOnline (HealthCare.gov / State Marketplace Portal)Log in > Find ‘Terminate Coverage’ option > Select future end date carefully (day before new coverage starts) > Allow processing time (e.g., 14 days) > Understand implications (loss of coverage, need SEP to re-enroll mid-year).
    Ending coverage for ONLY SOME people on the planPhone (Marketplace Call Center: 1-800-318-2596)Call Center strongly advised > Explain situation clearly > Specify desired end date for individual(s) > Confirm impact on remaining members’ coverage & subsidies > Ask about potential SEP for remaining members. Online changes risk immediate termination.

    Important Reminders When Canceling

    • Confirm New Coverage First: Do not cancel your Marketplace plan until you have confirmed that your new health coverage (e.g., from a job, Medicare, Medicaid) is approved and you know its exact start date. Canceling too early creates a dangerous gap where you have no insurance.
    • Formal Marketplace Cancellation is Required: You must cancel through the official Marketplace channel (online or by phone). Simply stopping premium payments to your insurance company is not sufficient and can lead to complications. Similarly, enrolling in Medicare or telling your insurance company directly does not automatically terminate your Marketplace plan; you must take action through the Marketplace.
    • Update Your Application: When canceling, especially if only for some household members or if the reason involves changes like new income or eligibility for other coverage, make sure your Marketplace application reflects these changes accurately. This impacts final subsidy calculations.

    The flexibility to cancel anytime comes with the significant responsibility of managing the timing precisely. Ending coverage too early risks uninsured periods, while ending it too late means paying for potentially unnecessary or unsubsidized coverage. Diligent coordination between your old and new coverage is key.

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    Key Considerations Before You Change or Cancel

    Making changes to or ending your Marketplace coverage involves more than just procedural steps. There are important financial and coverage implications to consider carefully beforehand.

    Impact on Financial Help (Subsidies)

    Your decisions directly affect the financial assistance you receive through the Marketplace.

    • Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These credits lower your monthly premiums. Their amount is based on your estimated income and household size for the year. Any change you make—switching plans, changing income, adding or removing household members—can alter your PTC eligibility or amount. It is essential to report changes so the Marketplace can adjust your PTCs accordingly.
    • Loss of PTC Eligibility: Crucially, if you become eligible for other forms of coverage considered “minimum essential coverage”—such as premium-free Medicare Part A or an “affordable” job-based plan that meets “minimum value” standards—you generally lose your eligibility for PTCs for your Marketplace plan. This is true even if you decide to keep the Marketplace plan alongside the other coverage. Continuing to receive PTCs when you’re no longer eligible will likely result in having to repay them at tax time. Therefore, if you gain eligibility for Medicare or affordable job-based coverage, you should promptly update your Marketplace application and plan to cancel your Marketplace coverage (or be prepared to pay the full premium without subsidies).
    • Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These “extra savings” lower your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when you get care. CSRs are available only to those who meet certain income requirements and are enrolled in a Silver level plan. If you change from a Silver plan to a plan in another metal category (Bronze, Gold, Platinum), you will lose your CSR benefits. Canceling your Marketplace plan altogether also ends your CSR eligibility.

    Potential Tax Implications

    The financial assistance you receive through the Marketplace is reconciled when you file your federal income taxes.

    • Reconciling Premium Tax Credits: The PTCs you receive during the year are based on your estimated income. When you file your taxes, the IRS compares the total PTC amount paid on your behalf throughout the year with the amount you were actually eligible for based on your final annual income and household details.
      • If you received less PTC than you were eligible for (e.g., your income ended up lower than estimated), you can claim the difference as a refund on your tax return.
      • If you received more PTC than you were eligible for (e.g., your income was higher than estimated, or you became ineligible mid-year due to gaining other coverage but didn’t update your application/cancel the plan), you will likely have to repay some or all of the excess amount when you file your taxes. This underscores the importance of promptly reporting income changes and canceling subsidized coverage when you become ineligible.

    Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums Reset

    This is a significant financial factor often overlooked when changing plans mid-year.

    • Resetting to Zero: When you switch from one health plan to another, even if both are Marketplace plans, the amount you’ve paid towards your annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum on the old plan typically does not carry over to the new plan. Your progress effectively resets to $0 on the new plan.
    • Financial Impact: If you or your family have already incurred substantial healthcare costs during the year and made significant progress towards meeting your deductible or out-of-pocket limit, switching plans means you’ll have to start accumulating those costs all over again on the new plan’s structure. This can dramatically increase your total potential out-of-pocket spending for the year.

    This financial consequence can act as a strong deterrent to changing plans mid-year, even if an SEP is available, particularly for individuals with ongoing or high healthcare needs. It might lead some to stay in a plan that’s no longer ideal simply because the cost of resetting the deductible is too high.

    The Risk of Being Uninsured

    Canceling your Marketplace plan should ideally only happen when you have secured other qualifying health coverage.

    • Financial Exposure: Choosing to cancel your plan without replacement coverage leaves you uninsured. While the federal tax penalty for lacking health insurance no longer applies, being uninsured means you are personally responsible for 100% of the costs of any medical care you need. An unexpected illness or accident could lead to overwhelming medical debt.
    • Limited Re-enrollment Options: If you cancel your coverage and later decide you want Marketplace insurance again, you generally cannot re-enroll until the next Open Enrollment Period, unless you experience a new Qualifying Life Event that grants you an SEP. This could mean going without coverage for many months.

    Exploring Alternative Coverage Options

    Before making a final decision to change or cancel your Marketplace plan, especially if canceling, ensure you understand your other potential coverage options:

    • Job-Based Coverage: Offered through your own or a family member’s employer. Compare the costs (premiums, deductibles) and coverage details (network, benefits) against your Marketplace options. Remember, if the job-based plan is considered “affordable” (your share of the premium for the lowest-cost self-only plan is below a certain percentage of household income, 9.02% for 2025) and meets “minimum value” standards, you lose eligibility for Marketplace subsidies.
    • Medicaid or CHIP: These government programs offer free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Eligibility rules vary significantly by state, and many states have expanded Medicaid eligibility under the ACA. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of year. If you lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage (e.g., due to an income increase), this triggers an SEP allowing you to enroll in a Marketplace plan.
    • Medicare: The federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, and for younger individuals with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Becoming eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A generally means you are no longer eligible for Marketplace subsidies. You should coordinate your transition from Marketplace coverage to Medicare carefully to avoid penalties or coverage gaps. You can learn more at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicare/changing-from-marketplace-to-medicare/.
    • COBRA: The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to temporarily continue your former employer’s group health coverage after losing your job or experiencing other qualifying events. However, under COBRA, you typically have to pay the full premium (both your share and your former employer’s share) plus an administrative fee, making it potentially expensive. Losing eligibility for COBRA (e.g., when the maximum coverage period ends) can trigger an SEP for Marketplace enrollment.
    • Private Plans Outside the Marketplace: You can buy health insurance directly from insurance companies or through agents/brokers outside the official Marketplace. However, plans sold outside the Marketplace are not eligible for Premium Tax Credits or Cost-Sharing Reductions. Additionally, some short-term plans sold outside the Marketplace may not meet the ACA’s requirements for “minimum essential coverage,” meaning they might offer less comprehensive benefits or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Enrollment rules for these plans outside OEP can also vary.

    Note on State-Run Marketplaces

    While this guide focuses primarily on the rules and procedures for the federal Marketplace accessed via HealthCare.gov, it’s important to remember that several states operate their own Marketplace platforms. Examples include California (Covered California), New York (NY State of Health), Pennsylvania (Pennie), and others.

    If you enrolled through your state’s specific Marketplace website, the general principles discussed here—like the existence of OEP and SEPs, the importance of reporting life changes, and the processes for changing or canceling plans—will likely be similar. However, there might be slight variations in specific dates (like OEP deadlines), SEP qualifying events, verification requirements, or website navigation.

    Always consult your state’s official Marketplace website for the most accurate and detailed information pertaining to your situation. HealthCare.gov provides links to state Marketplace websites if you live in one of those states. Find your state here: https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/.

    Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.

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