Here are some questions and answers.

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WHAT IS A HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE (ALSO KNOWN AS AN EXCHANGE)?

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Every state has a marketplace for consumers to shop for health insurance. Consumers can shop, compare and select a plan that best fits their needs. The Health Insurance Marketplaces allow consumers to do their shopping online, in-person, over the phone, or by mail. Consumers can look at information such as provider network, benefits, premiums, deductible costs, co-pays, and co-insurance requirements before selecting a plan. Some states have their own marketplaces, also known as state-based exchanges (SBEs). Other states use healthcare.gov.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO HAVE A PLAN IN THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE?

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Anyone can search online for a healthcare plan on their state’s Health Insurance Marketplace. The requirements to get insurance through the Marketplace are:

• Meet applicable state residency requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or noncitizen who is lawfully present

• You cannot be currently incarcerated

If you currently receive health insurance coverage from your employer, you likely will continue to receive this coverage. If employer coverage is considered too expensive, you might be eligible to find coverage through your marketplace.

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HOW MUCH WILL PLANS COST?

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The cost of plans varies by the type of plan you choose. However, you may be eligible for discounts on your plan to help lower your monthly premium amount and other healthcare amounts. These are known as Subsidies and Cost-Sharing Reductions. Learn more on our HealthCare Savings page! If someone doesn’t receive a subsidy due to income status, they are still able to shop for a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

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WHAT IS THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL (FPL)?

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This is the set minimum income a family needs for food, clothing, transportation and shelter. The government decides this level. It depends on the size of your family. For more information on the Federal Poverty Level, visit healthcare.gov .

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WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR ALL THIS?

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Open enrollment on the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace is from November 1 to December 15.

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WHAT IS THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT / AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE ACT / OBAMA HEALTHCARE PLAN?

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There is one law that introduced many changes to our healthcare system. Some people may call it the Affordable Healthcare Act or Obama Healthcare Plan. However, the law’s actual name is the Affordable Care Act.

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WHAT IS OPEN ENROLLMENT?

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Open Enrollment is the time period when you can browse the Health Insurance Marketplace for your health insurance plan

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WHAT IS THE SPECIAL ENROLLMENT?

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When Open Enrollment is closed, you may still be able to enroll in a health insurance plan. To do so, you have to qualify for a Special Enrollment period. This happens when you experience a Qualifying Life Event. Find out more here .

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HOW TO SEND DOCUMENTS?

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You can upload documents online, which is the fastest and easiest way to process them. Or you can send copies by mail.

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The Marketplace may ask you for documents to confirm information on your application - your income, citizenship, immigration status, or Special Enrollment Period, such as moving or losing other health coverage.

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IMPORTANT: Submit documentation as soon as possible if you do not submit documents by the deadline, you could lose your health insurance, financial aid or opportunity to enroll.

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The market does not accept documents by email or fax.

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Upload documents online

You will need an electronic file of the document saved on your computer. It can be a scan or a clear photo.
Document format requirements:
Accepted formats: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .xml, .png, .tiff, .bmp
Maximum file size: 10MB
File names cannot include special characters like / \: *? "<> |

How to submit documents by mail

If the upload failed, please check the document format and size and try again. You can send copies if you still have problems or if you prefer this option:

Do not send original documents: Send photocopies only.
Include your printed barcode page. It's on the last page of your eligibility notice. If you do not have a barcode, please include your printed name and the application identification number. Your application ID is near your mailing address at the top of your notice.

Send the documentation to this address:
Health Insurance Market
Attn: Coverage Processing
465 Industrial Blvd
London, KY 40750-0001

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Some of the data included in these FAQs was collected from these resources: healthcare.gov, healthreform.kff.org/

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